Jesus falls the second time
The Lord supports all who stumble and lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps 145, 14)
Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light. (Mt 11, 28–30)
None of the trials which have come upon you is more than human strength can bear. You can trust that God will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with any trial will provide a means by which you are able to bear it. (1 Cor 10, 13)
Lord Jesus, abused by torture, your human frailty caused you to fall a second time, but you did not give up the struggle. You placed your trust in the love of your Father so that the joy of knowing you were doing the Father’s Will sustained you in your time of trial.
Loving Lord, sometimes it seems I cannot bear my cross further, and would dearly wish to lay it down. But when I see your arms outstretched to take my burdens too, I am able somehow to bear it once more. For I know that you walk with me always, and your unending love renews my faith and my strength. Help me, Lord, to reach out to others and share my faith, to share their load as I walk with them. For as I do so, my own cross seems so much lighter.
Lord Jesus Crucified, have mercy.