Week Beginning Monday 5th March 2018 Stations of the Cross

VII Station: Jesus falls for the second time A Reading from the Book of Psalms 22:8,12 All who see me deride me. They curl their lips, they toss their heads. Do not leave me alone in my distress; come close, there is none else to help. Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, All: because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Wednesday 7th March 2018 Walking towards his death was not easy for Jesus. A second time he falls, becoming more exhausted with every step he takes. For too many months now we have seen and heard the harrowing accounts of refugees as they flee war, violence and political persecution in their home land. It is a hard journey, a dangerous journey and like Jesus, they too will stumble and fall, let us lend them our strength to keep going as we pray for God’s grace to be with our community, both near and far, as we help people to keep going on their journey. A Moments reflection As a community, how could we reach out to those who need our help both locally and globally?

Lord Jesus, in your second fall, Let Us Pray Lord Jesus, in your second fall, we recognize so many of our situations from which there seems to be no way of escape. Among them are those that derive from prejudice and hatred, which harden our hearts and lead to religious conflicts. Enlighten our minds so that they recognize, despite "human and religious differences," that "a ray of truth shines on all men and women", called to walk together – with respect for religious freedom – towards the truth that is in God alone. Come, Holy Spirit, to console and strengthen Christians, so that, united in Christ, they may be witnesses of your universal love in an area torn apart by injustice and conflicts. Amen.