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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 THREE: Jesus falls the first time

The account of Jesus' first fall is not recorded in the Gospels; it is part of the story that comes from the first-century early church. Along the Via Dolorosa, or "way of suffering," it was believed that Jesus fell three times before reaching Golgotha.

Reflection: Weakened by torments and loss of blood, Jesus falls beneath His Cross. But consider this: more truly was He crushed to the earth by the number and enormity of my sins!

Prayer: Jesus, the weight of my sins weighed heavy on You. I am deeply sorry for having offended You. I love You, infinite Goodness! Help me to hate sin as the only real evil. Amen.

Song:
O sacred Head, now wounded,
With pain and grief weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns Thine only crown:
How pale Thou art with anguish,
With sore abuse and scorn,
How does that visage languish,
Which once was bright as morn!