Jesus Falls a Third Time
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. —1 Corinthians 12:8–10
O Jesus, how much agony for you to fall again. You were close to the end of that rocky road and the weight of the cross once again collapsed on You. The weight of my sin is on You. Just a few more steps and they beat you and kicked at You. You suffered such extreme cruelty for me. Sometimes I am cruel to the poor whom you ask me to serve. You feel the pain when I do not serve You in them. I fumble and sometimes don’t take those last steps. The poor suffer because of this. You were led like a sheep to the slaughter. By Your Passion You redeemed me. I love You Jesus. Forgive me.
Prayer: My beloved Jesus, I love You more than myself. Yet even in that love, I cause You pain. Guide me and be with me so that I may never separate from You again. I have offered my hand to help the poor and sometimes it was inconvenient and I made excuses and complained. Help me to never take my hand away from those in need. Your blood has conquered evil. Wash me with Your blood so that I may be pure to serve You in the poor. Help me to carry Your cross and love more through Your cleansing power. Amen
Our Father who art in Heaven . . . . . Amen