Pro Sanctity Reflects on the Stations of the Cross

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time

We adore You, O Christ and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)

During the last four years I have treasured in my heart the Ninth Station. On Good Friday 2005, the then Card. Ratzinger, today Benedict XVI, led the Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum. I followed it! The way Benedict XVI meditated on the third fall of the Lord revolutionized my life.

“What can the third fall of Jesus under the cross say to us? We have considered the fall of humanity in general, and the falling of many Christians away from Christ…Should we not also think of how much Christ suffers in His own Church? How often is the Holy Sacrament of His Presence abused, how often must He enter empty and evil Hearts! How often do we celebrate only ourselves, without even realizing that He is there! How often is His Word twisted and misused! What little faith is present behind so many theories, so many empty words! How much filth there in the Church…How much pride… What little respect we pay to the sacrament of Reconciliation…”

I resolved to continue to pray for daily conversion, to rise from the personal/Church fall as the Lord did, to love Mother Church as I “saw” and “see” the Lord loving her, to be a flame of love! I ask Mary, Mother of Trust, to make me holy, to make us holy, to hasten the Springtime of Mother Church, and the civilization of love, holiness, and brotherhood.

Submitted by Franca Salvo, Apostolic Oblate, Nebraska

We both agree that it is Jesus falling the third time. In Leonard’s words, “He got back up again.” That challenges us no matter what it is that gets us down. Is it the day-in and day-out schedule and list of responsibilities? Is it the current anti-life changes being poured upon us? Jesus got up. Our hope is Christ.

Submitted by Theresa and Leonard Gabriel, Pro Sanctity Members, Columbus, Nebraska

Holy Mother, impress into my heart the wounds of your Son.

Pro Sanctity Reflects on the Stations of the Cross