When we fall

WE need to be ready to react properly whenever we fall. We

cannot simply remain in the level of our instincts and feelings when

this thing happens. And since falling is rather a common occurrence,

we really need to know how to deal with it, and even to derive some

good from it.

  

            Yes, we have to react with faith whenever we fall. We

should do this as quickly as possible, knowing that our spontaneous

reaction is simply too human to understand why such falling happened

and to cope with the consequences. We are prone to get knocked down

and to fall into sadness and despair.

             Our faith gives us a good picture of the whole thing. It

tells us why we fall. And more than that, it tells us what good we can

derive from such fall. Falling is not really that bad, though we

obviously have to try our best not to fall.

  

            We fall because of our weaknesses and the temptations

around. No matter how well endowed we are—physically, intellectually,

morally and spiritually—we should not forget that our powers and

strengths can easily spoil us and can become a source of an

irresistible temptation. This has happened to our first parents, and

to many “good people” around.

             Outside, temptations also abound. The devil and the world

are rich sources of such temptations. We should not forget this fact

of life.

  

            But in spite of all these, there is always hope. God is

always around and he never ceases to love us. We are told that “God

did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save

the world through him.” (Jn 3,17)

  

            And again, in the Book of Ezekiel, “As I live, says the

Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the

wicked turn from his way and live.” (33,11)

  

            Yes, we just have to be quick to say sorry and mend our

ways. We have to have frequent recourse to the sacrament of penance,

and make many acts of atonement and reparation. But we should move on,

beginning and beginning again as often as necessary. Our outlook

should be bright, positive and hopeful, not dark, negative and

pessimistic.

  

            Christ himself has reassured us. “In this world you will

have trouble,” he said. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

(Jn 16,33) Before these words, he also said: “The prince of this world

now stands condemned.” (Jn 16,11)

  

            There is really nothing to worry us for long. While our

immediate reaction to any fall is sadness, we should try our best to

regain our spiritual footing by going to our faith as quickly as

possible.

             Our life here on earth is short. We should not waste it by

spending too much time lamenting and feeling sorry for our failures.

We should get up immediately and focus on what we are supposed to be

doing.

  

            We are meant to grow in love, and that love can grow to

the extent that we trust God’s words and follow them, especially in

the context of our weakness and falls.