Station 9 Devotional

IX

Others work a slower pace

Their weakness signifies disgrace

A final time you fell beneath the weight

Pride with tolerance replace

At the ninth Station of the Cross Jesus falls for the last time. In the traditional Stations of the Cross, Jesus falls three times, although there is no reference to his falling in the Gospels. Perhaps these stations were included to accentuate the humanity of Christ. Isaiah 53 reminds us of the price Jesus paid for our sin.

“Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord make his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53: 10-11)

Reflection Question: Are you annoyed by the weakness of others?

Prayer: God, who touched blind eyes, malformed legs, and leprous skin, help me not to disparage weakness. In the name of Jesus, who was crushed by the weight of our iniquities.