Jesus falls under the cross for the first time. Each of us has many "first falls" behind us. The first moment comes when we consciously disobey our parents, the first lie occurs, the first sexual transgression takes place. When we become parents ourselves, there come more first falls: suddenly, to our great shame, we realize that we are being harsh to a child whom we otherwise love unspeakably. Priests also experience their first falls after ordination.
First falls are accompanied by shame and denial. They shake the image we have created of ourselves. In such moments, let us remember that Jesus is close to us, that he bears the shame of all who fall for the first time, and he will continue to do so.
(Timothy Radcliffe OP /*1945/, The Stations of the Cross for Believers and Non-Believers, 3rd Station)
