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.