Jesus falls for the third time
Leader: We adore you O Christ, and we praise you. (genuflect)
ALL: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world
Leader: It’s unbelievable that Jesus fell again and the soldiers didn’t help him. They only yelled louder for him to get up and continue on. Jesus didn’t get mad at them; he forgave them.
Reflection:
When we have really tried to do our best, and have not been able to succeed, it is easy to feel like Jesus must have felt when he fell a third time. Sometimes people can be mean and criticize us for something we do, or make fun of the way we do something. There are times in our lives when we feel we can’t continue with something as we have tried and tried without success. In these times we need the help of Jesus and of others close to us to ‘pick ourselves up and start all over again’.
Family challenge:
How do we cope with repeated struggles/worries? Share what you like to do when you are feeling worried. Would it help your family to have an activity to count on when everyone is having a bad day? A family activity to help everyone let go of the ‘grumps’? What might it be for your family?
Prayer:
Leader: Sometimes people say or do hurtful things to us or don’t help us when we need them. Jesus, help me to forgive everyone like you did. Help me not to get angry or hold a grudge against someone who has hurt me.
All sing: Were you there when they crucified my lord? Were you there when they crucified my lord? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my lord?