Seventh Station – Jesus falls a second time.

Isaiah 53:4-6

I had wanted to pace myself better to make it to Calvary without another fall.  But I tripped.  I’m not sure how.  Maybe it was a loose cobblestone, a rock I stubbed my foot on or a wet spot that was too slick…

This fall shows me up for being human as nothing else on my way to Calvary.  I had enough strength and presence of mind to avoid it.  Why did I fall?  I think I was lulled into a momentary lapse.  Simon had eased my burden.  Veronica had soothed my sweaty face.  A soft breeze had cooled my body.  What flashed in my mind was that these fleeting strokes of good fortune meant I could somehow bypass the rest of the journey.  Before I even recognized that as a temptation, I fell.

I smiled; the only time I remember smiling on my way to crucifixion.  I smiled because I recognized how deeply I was like other people in being tempted not to drink fully the cup my Father wanted me to drink.

There’s a profound lesson here for you in your journey.  Momentary good fortune does not mean the struggle is over.  If things are looking rosy, be careful.  You may be about to fall all the harder.  Both good and bad are fleeting.  Do not count on good times in this life.  Count on nothing except the gifts of faith and hope from my Father.