Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Joseph
The Seventh Station - Jesus Falls the Second Time
Jesus’ body falls under the weight of the wood a second time. But this time, with more intensity than the first. He lies there motionless but then lifts his head. His eyes survey the crowd that has gathered to watch the spectacle. He recognizes some . . . those who had followed him who now weep for their Master, as well as for their broken faith, hope, and heart. There were those there who had heard him preach and witnessed his miracles in the Temple precinct, and now simply don’t know what to think. And there, too, were those who had shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” as he entered the gates of Jerusalem the previous Sunday, but had screamed “Crucify Him!” earlier that day at Pilate’s Praetorium.
There was one other face he recognized . . . the face of Evil. It was the same face that tempted Him in the desert three years before: “Bow down and worship me, Jesus, and all the kingdoms of the world will be yours.”
Satan sneered and laughed, “It’s over, Jesus. You’ve lost. Don’t continue your meaningless self-sacrifice. Don’t get up. Stay on the ground. The game is over, Jesus. I’ve won.”
But repeating the words he had once spoken to the Evil One, he said, “Get away from me, Satan. You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” And with renewed strength, He staggered to his feet once more and continued along the way.
Let us pray . . . Evil is real, and so is the Evil One. But goodness, and virtue, and the power of God are so much greater. St. Joseph, although not immaculately conceived as Mary was, and, like us, your soul had been stained by Original Sin, you, nonetheless, strove to be a reflection of God the Father by your holiness. Help me to strive to follow the words of Jesus and be perfect as my Heavenly Father is perfect, to stand strong in the face of temptation, to avoid the near occasion of sin. and to fight off the demons who seek the ruin of my soul. Help me not to fall to sin, and to have the strength to rise up again when I do.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
