the cross. O dearly beloved cross, I embrace thee, I kiss thee, I
rejoice to receive thee from the hands of God. Far be it from me to
glory in anything save in the cross of my Lord and Redeemer. By it the
world shall be crucified to me, and I to the world, that I may be Thine
for ever.

Our Father, etc. Hail, Mary, etc

Third Station

JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

OUR dear Saviour carrying the cross was so weakened by its heavy weight
as to fall exhausted to the ground. Our sins and misdeeds were the heavy
burden which oppressed Him; the cross was to Him light and sweet, but
our sins were galling and insupportable.

_Prayer_

O MY Jesus! Thou didst bear my burden and the heavy weight of my sins.
Should I, then, not bear in union with Thee my easy burden of suffering
and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments? Thy yoke is sweet and Thy
burden light; I therefore willingly accept it. I will take up Thy cross
and follow Thee.

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc,

Fourth Station

JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER

HOW painful and how sad it must have been for Mary, the sorrowful
Mother, to behold her beloved Son laden with the burden of the cross!
What unspeakable pangs her most tender heart experienced! How earnestly
she yearned to die instead of, or at least with, Jesus! Implore this
sorrowful Mother that she assist you in the hour of your death.

_Prayer_

O JESUS, O Mary! I am the cause of the great and manifold pains which
pierce your loving hearts. O that my heart also would feel and
experience at least some of your sufferings! O Mother of sorrows, let me
participate in the sufferings which thou and thy Son endured for me, and
let me experience thy sorrow, that, afflicted with thee, I may enjoy thy
assistance in the hour of my death.

[Illustration: The Immaculate Conception.]

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.

Fifth Station

SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS TO CARRY THE CROSS

SIMON of Cyrene was compelled to help Jesus carry His cross, and Jesus
accepted His assistance. How willingly He would permit you also to carry
the cross! He calls you, but you hear Him not; He invites you, but you
decline. What a reproach, to bear the cross reluctantly!

_Prayer_

O JESUS! Whosoever does not take up His cross and follow Thee is not
worthy of Thee. Behold, I join Thee in the way of Thy cross; I will be
Thy assistant, following Thy footsteps, that I may come to Thee in
eternal life.

Our Father, etc. Ha