Station seven: Jesus falls a second time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.
Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
 
Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14
 
Throughout salvation history as told in the scriptures, the issues of sin and the fall of humanity are a constant theme. The various root causes of refugee movements are usually the result of human sinfulness.
 
Persecution, violence and war are so often what forces people to flee their homes in search for safety elsewhere. Many are forced to leave because of the effects of climate change, which makes once fruitful lands barren and causes an increase in natural disasters.
 
It can be easy to feel hopeless in the face of such seemingly endless evil. The pursuit of peace is a long and difficult road. For those forced to flee it may seem impossible that they will ever return home. However, we believe in the power of forgiveness to ease pain and suffering, bringing solutions to conflict. We believe in the power of good to overcome evil.
 
We pray for those who are the instigators of wastefulness, war, violence and persecution; that their hearts are turned from their evil to good. We pray for the pursuit of peace and the grace of forgiveness and mercy for all.
 
I love you, Jesus, my love above all things,
And I repent with my whole heart of having offended you.
Never permit me to separate myself from you again,
Grant that I may love you always, and then do with me what you will.