Jesus falls the third time

By A.Vonn Hartung

In this station I attempt to show the complete exhaustion of Jesus. He is literally being held up by the strong youth who straddles Him. Symbolically He is at the strength-level of a small child. Yet He still holds on to His Cross rather than supports it. The symbol of the old man is another indication of the lack of strength that Jesus feels. Yet both the child and the old man show a determination and faith to go on that Jesus Himself feels, although He is completely spent. The symbols in the background are the emblems of the powers of the world, those of the Roman Empire of His time. But beyond that they symbolize all Imperial predatory power and wealth gained through injustice and military might. The Cross is ever present and symbolizes the Sacrifice that must be made to redeem the Sins of the world. NOTE—These original Stations of the Cross were painted for a Catholic church in Puerto Rico. The artist conceived them with the community in mind and they include many of the spiritual and cultural qualities of Puerto Rico. (Photo by Greger Norrevik)