Station 7: Jesus falls under the Cross the second time
V. We adore Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, and bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
The Mystery
The seventh Station represents the gate of Jerusalem, called the gate of Judgment, at the entrance of which our Saviour, through anguish and weakness, falls to the ground. He is compelled by blows and blasphemies to rise.
Consider your Jesus prostrate on the earth, bruised by His fall, and ignominiously treated by an ungrateful rabble. Reflect that your self-love and pride of preference were the cause of this humiliation. Implore, then, grace to detest sincerely your haughty spirit and proud disposition. It was your reiterated sins which again pressed Him to the ground. Will you then sin again, and add to the afflictions of your gracious Saviour?
Prayer
O Most Holy Redeemer! treated with the utmost contempt, deprived of fame and honor - led out to punishment - through excess of torments, and the weakness of Thy delicate and mangled body, Thou didst fall a second time to the earth. What impious hand has prostrated Thee? Alas, my Jesus! I am that impious, that sacrilegious offender: my ambitious pride, my haughty indignation, my contempt of others humbled by Thee to the earth. Banish forever from my mind the unhappy spirit of pride. Teach my heart the doctrine of humility, so that detesting pride, vain glory and human respect, I may forever be united with Thee, my meek and humble Jesus. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary & Glory be
Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us!
Prone at the city gate He fell once more,
To save our erring souls He suffered sore;
On His great mercy let us always call,
Since our vain pride has caused His triple fall.
