Page:The Way of the Holy Cross Martin.djvu/25

 THE THIRD STATION.

Adoramus, &c.

We adore Thee, &c.

Jesus falls the first time under the Cross.

Bowed down by the weight of his cross, which he nevertheless bears as cheerfully as he had accepted it, Jesus advances amidst an infuriated rabble, whose insolent taunts serve only to inflame His love: but, as the blood trickles from His wounds, His strength fails Him, and he sinks exhausted on the ground.

Thou didst fall under the load of Thy cross, Oh my Jesus, to expiate my sinful falls. Oh! by the merits of that painful fall, may I never again relapse into mortal sin.

The Act of Contrition, Page 17.