Third Station

Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time

Collage - a cross lies on its side
The first fall. Gloria Alt, collage.

A reading from the prophet Isaiah

Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
(Isaiah 53:4-6)

Silent Reflection

Meditation from a 5th-century communion hymn

Because for our sake you tasted gall,  may the Enemy’s bitterness be killed in us.

Because for our sake you drank sour wine, may what is weak in us be strengthened.

Because for our sake you were spat upon, may be be bathed in the baptismal waters of immortality.

Because for our sake you were struck with a rod, may we be protected at the last. 

Because for our sake you accepted a crown of thorns, may we that love you be crowned with garlands that never can fade.

Because for our sake you were wrapped in a shroud,  may we be clothed in your all-enfolding strength.

Because you were laid in the new grave and the tomb,  may we receive renewal of soul and body. 

Holy God,  Holy and mighty, Holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

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6205 University Ave., Madison WI

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church