Jesus Falls…for the First Time
Dust. Stones. Broken rock. Rough, dry earth.
Is that the Way of the King – our King!
Is that the path of His children –
a passage of pain and struggle?
Yes! But do not fear – for He, the Beloved Son,
has been there already:
‘When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right
hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold
I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.’ (Revelation 1:17-18)
He fell – the weight of the splintering Cross on His glorious back…
even at the start, it was too heavy for the Son of Man –
for in body, He was like us.
Matted, blood-covered hair. Torn, lacerated flesh.
Deep wounds, scars already forming. Purple bruises. Knees, grazed and hurting.
Head, pierced by sharp thorns. Hands and wrists burnt by rough binding.
We crucified Him and continue to do so…
But He, Lover of our souls, wants to free us!
Can you imagine that!? Can you understand that gift:
‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and
mourning’. (Joel 2:12)
Could you carry it?
Would you fall under its precious load?
(I would…and do…fall.)
But He had to complete this final work for Our Father –
for our salvation: to bear it, to hang on it, to die on it,
and to bring life from its cruelty and hate and shame!
From His knees, He saw dirty feet – the feet of many who cursed Him
and sought to kick Him when He was down.
Ever been in that place?
He carried it for us – for you and me!
People spat at Him, punched angry fists into the air,
screamed and shouted, hissed insults and taunts.
Laid low, He humbled Himself –
no retaliation; just sadness and deep joy.
Joy! He would finish the task set –
He would accomplish the Way of Life for all who choose life; who choose Him: Jesus.
Heaven or Hell? God or Satan? Love or hate? Faith or rejection?
What will you choose – will you carry your cross, on the Narrow Road?
Or go the Way of Perdition, for that path is wide?
Easy: refuse evil’s lies and fill the void created by fear, with Truth.
Find everlasting peace, hope, beauty, freedom, friendship…and love.
Were you in the menacing crowd? What part did you play?
What role are you now playing?
‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’
(Matthew 26:39)
The Angels took the bar of the Cross,
where his outstretched arms and pieced hands, would later lay.
He knew the pain which had to come!
Can you take your pain and share it with our Suffering Servant?
In the perfect heart of Jesus was, and is, love.
Love: the remedy, the fix for the world – for He, Dear Jesu, Fils de Dieu, is Love.
He tearfully studied the mob,
Knowing that nothing absolute could be achieved until:
‘God put all things under Christ’s feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things’.
(Ephesian 1:22)
He would stamp the Devil down, and with him, all his malevolent spirits.
Can you see them? I have seen them; they are amongst us.
‘Be not afraid’, the Victory is already won! But the ‘end is yet to come’:
‘For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…Nation
will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and
earthquakes in various places.’ (Matthew 24:6)
Whose side are you on? Who is your god?
(For me, I serve the One True God.)
Dust to dust; ashes to ashes; life to life.
Are you alive now? In spirit?
The flesh is weak and corruptible…and must die.
The Spirit – the Holy Spirit of God dwells in you if you love God and invite Him in.
Amazing, isn’t it! God in us! God with us! God, the Creator of all that exists; is ALL life!
The Angels lift the Cross and Jesus rises.
He looks with love at His oppressors.
They will fall.
He will rise to new life.
Will you rise with Him?
Juliehughespoetry(c)poetrysept2021
Inspired through Rosary and meditation, night-time following back surgery in the morning of
20 Sept.)
