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V.   We  adore  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  bless  Thee.

R.    Because  by  Thy  holy  Cross  Thou  hast  redeemed  the  world.

HE seventh  Station  represents  the  gate  of  Jerusalem,  called  the  gate  of  Judgment, at  the  entrance  of  which  our  Saviour,  through  anguish  and  weakness, falls to  the  ground. He is  compelled  by  blows  and  blasphemies  to  rise.

Consider your  Jesus  prostrate  on  the  earth,  bruised  by  His  fall,  and ignominiously treated  by  an  ungrateful  rabble. Reflect that  your  self-love  and  pride  of preference  were  the  cause  of  this  humiliation. Implore, then,  grace  to  detest  sincerely your haughty  spirit  and  proud  disposition. It was  your  reiterated  sins  which  again pressed Him  to  the  ground. Will you  then  sin  again,  and  add  to  the  afflictions  of  your gracious Saviour?

MOST Holy  Redeemer! treated with  the  utmost  contempt,  deprived  of  fame and honor — led  out  to  punishment — through  excess  of  torments,  and  the weakness of  Thy  delicate  and  mangled  body,  Thou  didst  fall  a  second  time to the  earth. What impious  hand  has  prostrated  Thee? Alas, my  Jesus! I am  that  impious,  that  sacrilegious  offender:  my  ambitious  pride,  my  haughty  indignation, my  contempt  of  others  humbled  Thee  to  the  earth. Banish for  ever  from  my  mind the unhappy  spirit  of  pride. Teach my  heart  the  doctrine  of  humility,  so  that  detesting pride, vain  glory  and  human  respect,  I  may  forever  be  united  with  Thee,  my  meek  and humble Jesus. Amen.

Our Father,  &amp;c. Hail Mary,  &amp;c. Glory, &amp;c.

Jesus Christ  crucified,  have  mercy  on  us!