Monday, the Third Week of Lent

Third Station of the Cross – Jesus falls the first time

   The scourging of Jesus, the crown of thorns forced onto His head, the beatings and mistreatment all took their toll on our Lord.  The lack of food, water and rest added to His weakened condition.  Then the cross of His execution was placed on His shoulders and He began the journey to Calvary through the streets of Jerusalem.

   Can there be any doubt concerning why He fell to the street under the burden He carried?  The blood loss from the scourging and beatings alone would be enough to make this journey a near impossibility, even without the cross weighing down upon Him.

   When I contemplate this event in Jesus’ road to Calvary I can’t help but wonder how much my sins added to His torment.  I’m certain that the sins I have committed and those I will commit in the future are part of the burden he bore for us.  My soul aches with the pain I have caused our Lord.

   Jesus did not have to come to our salvation.  God could have refused to let us kill His son in payment for the sins we’ve committed.  I wonder if God ever considered wiping us out and starting all over?  Maybe the next humans made in His image wouldn’t turn their backs on Him and refuse His love and caring as we have.  Maybe they would actually look with thanksgiving and love toward the God who had make all things possible for them.  Why did He choose to give us another chance?  He did it because He loves us.

   I am certain He didn’t come to save us out of need or necessity.  What could we possible have that God needed?  The only thing He has ever asked from us is our love and our acceptance of His love for us.  He has a plan for each of us.  The fact that we, because of our sins, can’t fully realize His plan doesn’t change the truth that there is one.

   Why did God make me?  God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven.  This question and answer from the Baltimore Catechism tells us everything we need to know about God’s plan for us.  It seems quite simple.  Why do we make it so difficult?