Stations of the Cross

Jesus falls the second time, 

As we think of Jesus stumbling once more on the way to Calvary, we also continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in Ukraine as we read these selected verses from Psalm 38 

“I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbours stay far away. Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie. Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.”

I see you falter, once more fall

Yet still arise, above the gall

Of spite and shame, of stigma, scorn.

Your sacred form, your holy frame

Discarded like some curb-lined earth,

Some trivia of dubious worth.

And yet, within this scene of spite

I see new life, a glorious sight.

A life of fullness, promised, sure.

Of death denied, of life to assured.

O Lord, may I, when I’m brought low.

Rise, live and love your glory show.

© 2020 Paul Collings

Lord, help me to overcome my human weaknesses of pride, my contempt for others, my haughty indignation. When I stumble and am brought low, raise my vision to see things as they are, so that I can walk with you in humility, as you lead me on a new path. Amen