SFDS Stations of the Cross: Station 9

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

John 12: 23-25
Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.

At those times, Jesus, when we feel most defeated and want to give up, strengthen us with your persevering spirit.

It is easy for us human beings to identify with Jesus' three-time plunge to the ground. We understand these moments of defeat. We know how hard it is to get up some mornings to face work or school, especially when severe challenges await us. There may be problems in the family alcoholism, personality conflicts, smoldering resentment. Perhaps we can't resign ourselves to some deep personal loss or failure. It is the dark night of the soul. Facedown on the ground, we remember that God's Spirit is in us and, drinking deeply of it, like Jesus, we choose to be faithful to the end.

Jesus, we believe with Mother Teresa that "You have not called us to be successful; you have called us to be faithful." You have also told us that when we do penance, we should not put on gloomy faces as the hypocrites do so others will know we are fasting. Help us always rise up and follow you in a spirit of cheerful service.