STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Ninth Station: JESUS' THIRD FALL

We Adore You, O Christ, And We Praise You.
Because By Your Holy Cross You Have Redeemed The World.

As Jesus comes closer to receiving the Crown of Glory, the man-made crown of thorns slips off his head as he falls for the third time and he automatically reaches for the security of the Word and contact with Simon.

Throughout the Stations of the Cross, the human person's potential for good and evil is depicted. In the Ninth Station, Christ is roughly grabbed by the guard, while he is at the same time being compassionately supported by Simon with a caring touch. The human person, then, is shown as being capable of displaying loving and compassionate behavior toward others or the opposite, violent and abusive actions that destroy relationships and people. Receiving both abuse from the guard and compassion from Simon, Christ, with his hand on the Holy Scroll, draws strength from his deep faith-filled belief in God's Word.