I show his second fall to his hip. It is a deeper fall. Our centurions push Jesus onward. They are impatient to keep their schedule. He is driven beyond his capacity. He stumbles to the ground again. Out of love for us he submits to our humiliations. Time and again he falls only to rise again and continue. Forward, always forward, he drives, shouldering our burden of sin for love of us. He is the source of all courage and the strength to persevere in the face of insurmountable obstacles. Often we grasp for the greater good only to see it crumble between our fingers and fall. The heart of Jesus is always surrounded by an ocean of great darkness. If we choose to follow his course we too will become engulfed in its murky waters. The only course to navigate is towards Christ, our lighthouse. We keep our focus on Him, not the chaos of the storm surrounding us.

Accept whatever happens to you; in periods of humiliation be patient. For in fire gold is tested, and the chosen in the crucible of humiliation. Trust in God, and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in Him. Sirach 2:4-6

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