Station 9: Jesus Falls for the Third Time

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.. [Matthew 11.29-30]

As the site of the crucifixion of Jesus draws near, Jesus has one more devastating fall, the yoke of his cross is becoming almost too much to bear. His enemies do not want him to die here for he has to be lifted on to his cross. In scripture, a yoke is more often a reference to the wooden frame joining oxen but also, metaphorically, something that is oppressive or restrictive, like yokes placed on prisoners of war and slaves. Jesus rejects this as contrary to God’s will. To take up Jesus’s yoke upon oneself is to be yoked to a kingdom of justice, mercy, and compassion.

Prayer:

Give me grace Lord, to live a life of discipline and obedience through charity, and care for others, thereby transforming my life, so that I do not become dominated by the way of this world, a dominion that has brought wealth to the few and poverty to the many.

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