IX

REFLECTION

Jesus, reaching the limit of endurance,

tired beyond tired,

hanging onto consciousness,

falls the third time.

Pain has passed beneath the body

and seared the edges of the soul.

Weariness has broken the resistance

of a tough, well-trained body

and overwhelmed the man.

Your third fall is the beginning

of your death agony.

Our world is filled with dying people:

-in war,

-in famine,

-in hospitals,

-on highways.

Many this day will die alone.

May our prayers become comfort for the dying,

especially those who must die alone.

Jesus fell again in weakness,

Stumbling as we do, to lead us