The third Station: Jesus falls for the first time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you,
because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Burdened by his heavy cross, worn down by fatigue and pain, Jesus falls. Yet he pushes himself up and continues on.

Obayedul, a farmer in Bangladesh, recalls how difficult things were after particularly severe flooding. The water rose so high that he had to climb on the tin roof of the house and for some time the family had no food at all. Even when the waters subsided, the waterlogged land made it hard for him to grow anything for them to eat.

Now, things look very different. Obayedul has received training in floating plant beds, in which food can be cultivated regardless of rising water levels. His crops are thriving, and he shares the skills he has learned with others in the village, helping the whole community.

We pray for all those in the front line of the climate crisis who continue to persevere in the face of adversity. We pray for strength and determination when we face challenges.

Prayer

Resolute Jesus,
you fell under the weight of the wood
yet did not abandon the journey.
Be with us when we are struggling,
and help us persevere in love.
Amen.