From the Desk of Deacon Jim

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People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed – Dr Samuel Johnson

Jesus falls the third time

We adore you O Christ and we praise you; because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

This station comes from Sacred Tradition. There is not a direct scriptural reference in any of the Gospels that recounts this event. 

Lamentations. 3:27-32: It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when he has laid it on him; let him put his mouth in the dust - there may yet be hope; let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

Three falls followed by three risings to continue the journey forward. He does this In spite of his recognition that we will not always appreciate the sacrifice he is making.  In spite of his recognition that we will not always live in a way that respects what he is doing for us.  In spite of the fact that not one of us, no not one, is worthy of this great grace, yet he still continues.  He still completes the work necessary for our salvation.  He still freely offers us this great grace in spite of our unworthiness.  He freely chooses to rise again to complete the work.

Peter professed an undying devotion to Jesus to the point of dying with him if necessary.  Jesus knew his frailty and told him so.  (Mat 26:31-35)

So when Jesus was arrested and Peter was challenged to defend his faith, he crumbled under the load.  He fell three times. (Mat 26: 69-75)

Later the resurrected Christ continued his work of salvation.  He again challenged Peter three times. Through this he allowed Peter to be redeemed for his first three falls.  He also told him that the Cross would not be removed from his life but like Christ he is to now rise  pick it up and carry it while he builds up the kingdom. (John 21: 15-19) 

Sometimes the load is heavy.  Sometimes in our pride, we believe we can carry the load alone.  Sometimes we even deny we don’t need God.

How do we fall?  Do we disrespect the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament?  Do we put other things ahead of our fidelity to God?  Do we crumble under the weight of our own cross?  Do we deny our faith by our words, by our actions, by our very way of life?  Do we turn to Christ to be strengthened so that we can rise again?

When we fall repeatedly, we need to know that Christ is there in the dust with us.  He does not run away or turn away.  Just as he forgave Peter three times for his three denials, he forgives us seventy times seventy times.

Just as he strengthened the disciples through Pentecost, he strengthens us through the sacraments.  Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, He removes our load of sin which allows us to rise again to continue our journey.  “A saint is simply a sinner who keeps trying.” – Author Unknown

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