Isaiah 53:5

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

You fall for the first time. Your head lies in the dust and gravel of the uneven road to Calvary. People are so angry. Why? A week ago, they welcomed You as a king, waving palms, yet today they are consumed with rage. I don’t understand. They are just lashing out, blaming you for their struggles and hurts. The brown splintered cross is turning red, stained by your blood.

There are also some good people who want to help you, but the soldiers will not allow it: they want to see you suffer. They don’t know who you are, but they simply enjoy the gruesome spectacle. All they are interested in, is to get home quickly and so they shout at you to get up and get on with it.

The temporal dust of the earth covers your face as you fall for the first time. But soon you pick your cross again, your salvific gift to us, eternal source of love.

Our Father, who art in heaven…

Hail Mary, full of grace…

Glory be to the Father and to the Son…

Normal Gospel reading for the day: John 8:12-20