Administrators Pompeii Posted March 8, 2023 Administrators Share Posted March 8, 2023 One Thing, Jesus Christ. Stations of the Cross Series, Station #3, Wednesday, March 8th by Fr. Ben Daghir & Luke Daghir Editor's Note: Fr. Ben Daghir and Luke Daghir will have 14 articles based upon the stations of the cross. The 14th article will conclude on Easter Sunday. Article: 3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time. The journey of the cross demands everything. Jesus challenges his disciples stating “whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus falls under the weight of the cross. The weight of sin is heavy. Exhaustion. Pain. Weakness. Humiliation. Loneliness. Darkness. Isolation. Stress. Anxiety. The journey is arduous, painful, and brutal. Those who embrace the cross will fall, but there is hope. St. Rose of Lima once stated “apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to Heaven.” Pope Francis provides advice when one falls under the weight of the cross, “When everything seems too much, when it seems that the world is crashing down on you, embrace His cross, draw close to Him and please, never let go of His hand” (Message to Young People, Mexico, 2016). Jesus falls the first time. Again, one is going to fall on the journey of the cross. One is going to experience adversity, difficulty, and hardship. Despite the weight of the cross, Jesus stands up again and continues the journey. The path of Christ challenges us to stand up and continue the journey. “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.” ======================== Fr. Ben Daghir is a priest for the Diocese of Erie. He is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Marys, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, and St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He considers writing one of his favorite hobbies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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