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THE WAY OF THE CROSS
A reflective Via Dolorosa walk
by John Hay, Jr. (West Morris Street FMC, Indianapolis, IN)

The Stations, or Way of the Cross, is an ancient method of meditating upon Christ's Suffering and Death. Trace the path of Jesus from His condemnation to His body being laid in a tomb. Bring your senses, and most of all your heart, and walk the Way of the Cross. Take time to read, reflect, pray, and/or sing. Reflect on what Jesus' journey to the cross means for you, for all.

STATION EIGHT:Jesus falls the third time

The early church shared with each ensuing generation the account of Jesus falling for a third time. Now nearly completely depleted of energy and perhaps delirious as he nears Golgotha, Jesus crumbles to the ground. It is a most pitiful sight for the Lord of Glory.

Reflection: What causes Jesus to fall yet again? What weighs heavier upon his body and soul? Could it be the weight of our collective sins, those in which we conspire together and elevate into approved systems - sanctioned greed, glorification of materialism, exploitation of workers, depletion of natural resources, elevation of crooked leaders?

Prayer: O Jesus, grant that I may see more clearly my small or great part in evil systems, and to turn away from participating in them any longer. Let me repent and suffer every evil rather than be found guilty of condoning sin against persons unknown to me.

Song:
Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world's golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, "Christian, love me more!"

Jesus call us. By Thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.

Click below
to move through the stations.

Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Station 6
Station 7
Station 8
Station 9
Station 10
Station 11
Station 12
Station 13
Station 14