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.