Stations of the Cross, Seventh Station

The Seventh Station

Jesus falls the second time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,
because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

It was our weaknesses that he carried, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one struck by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the punishment that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all. (Is. 53, 4 to 6)

Reflection: Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and uttered no cry. When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people, a grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood. (Is. 53, 7 and 9)

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, You shared in our weaknesses and accepted our guilt. Grand us the favor of rejoicing over our human weaknesses, so that in all we do, Your strength, swelling in us, may be shown to all others. Amen.

Click on the picture for a link to an excellently-done corresponding page on the Catholic Stations of the Cross.