Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/390



V. We  adore  thee,  etc,

ONSIDER the  third  fall  of  Jesus  Christ. His weakness was  extreme,  and  the  cruelty  of  his executioners excessive,  who  tried  to  hasten  his  steps when he  could  scarcely  move.

Ah, my  outraged  Jesus,  by  the  merits  of  the  weakness thou  didst  suffer  in  going  to  Calvary,  give  me strength  sufficient  to  conquer  all  human  respect,  and all my  wicked  passions,  which  have  led  me  to  despise thy friendship. I love thee,  Jesus,  my  love,  above all things. I repent, etc.

''Pater, Ave, Gloria. ''

V. We  adore  thee,  etc.

ONSIDER the  violence  with  which  the  executioners stripped  Jesus. His inner  garments adhered to  his  tom  flesh,  and  they  dragged  them  off so roughly  that  the  flesh  came  with  them. Compassionate your Saviour  thus  cruelly  treated.

My innocent  Jesus,  by  the  merits  of  the  torment thou didst  endure,  help  me  to  strip  myself  of  all  affection to  things  of  earth,  in  order  that  I may  place  all my love  in  thee,  who  art  so  worthy  of  my  love. I love thee,  O Jesus,  above  all  things; I repent,  etc.

Pater, Ave , Gloria .

V. We  adore  thee,  etc.

ONSIDER how  Jesus,  after  being  thrown  on  the Cross, extended  his  hands,  and  offered  to  his Eternal Father  the  sacrifice  of  his  life  for  our