V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (You may bow your head or genuflect)
R. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Read and Listen: (Is 53:4-6)

"Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; But the Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all."

Reflect

To commit sin and mistakes is human and part of our imperfect nature. However, we get angry and impatient at ourselves whenever we fall, despite the sincere efforts we make to improve. In God's plan, there is a sublime purpose behind such situation of ours. St. Paul wished he were perfect but later he understood that the imperfections he bore were to help him from getting conceited and proud. Instead, the Lord assured him thus: "My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection" (2 Cor 12:8-9). By humbly accepting our limitations and offering every effort to the Lord, He can work out the best of us. Jesus fell the second time. He was very weak in body, but not in spirit. He rose anew knowing that in treading the way of the Cross, it would be for our salvation. Like Jesus, we can offer even the falls we have in life. He will surely lift us up beyond our limited expectations. But can we also understand the weaknesses in others, and for their repentance, be forgiving? By having a renewed confidence in others, the best in them shines out.

Pray

Dear Jesus, it is easy to know that I am weak, but how difficult it is to accept that I always have to stumble in this life. Keep me then from becoming proud. Humble me a lot, if needed, so that I may always rely on you. After all, you can draw out the best in me. Make me your useful instrument in my fragility. Lord, help me to be forgiving not just of myself, but of others, even seventy seven times more. At times, it is difficult for me to do that, but it is very consoling when I do it in imitation of the forgiving Father in you. Let not the heavy crosses stop me from reaching the way to your salvation. Let me not look back in regret at the pains I suffer. Help me instead to look up at you that I may move on with firmness and strength. I ask this of you now and always. Amen. (You may say the Our Father before you go to the next station.)