The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
Reflection:
If
the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before you. If you were of the
world, the world would love what is its own.
Because you are not of this world, I have chosen you out the world, therefore
the world hates you. Remember the word that I have spoken to you: No servant is greater than his Master. If
they have persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. (Jn 15: 18-20).
Meditation:
Why are your clothes
red, and your garments like those of the wine presser?
“The wine press I
have trodden alone, and of my people there was no one with me.
I trod them in my
anger, and I trampled them down in My wrath;
Their blood spurted
on My garments and stained all my clothes.
I looked about, but
there was no one to help, I was appalled that there was no one to lend
support;
So My own arm brought
about the victory." (Is. 63: 2-5)
From the Imitation of
Christ, Book 2, Chapter 7: Of the Love of Jesus above All Things
Blessed
is the disciple who understands what it is to love Jesus, and to disregard
himself for Jesus' sake. The disciple
must give up all treasured things for The Beloved, for Jesus will be loved
alone above all things.
The
love of created things is deceiving and unstable, but the love of Jesus
is faithful and lasting.
Whoever
cleaves to created things will fall with their slipperiness; but the
disciple who embraces Jesus will stand upright forever.
Love
Jesus and hold Him for your Friend, for He will not forsake you when all depart
from you, nor will Jesus suffer you to perish in the end.
One
day you will be separated from everything here, whether you will it or not.
