The Seven Falls Of Christ

[kafka]

Although it is not stated in the Gospels and we commemorate three falls in the devotion; I think Jesus actually fell seven times on the Way of the Cross. This view is directly stated in Sacred Scripture as well as supported in the writings of Blessed A.C. Emmerich:

Proverbs
{24:16} For the just one will fall seven times, and he shall rise again. But the impious will fall into evil.

Psalms
{11:7} The eloquence of the Lord is pure eloquence, silver tested by fire, purged from the earth, refined seven times.

"At last they reached a spot where the pathway turned suddenly to the south; here he stumbled and fell for the sixth time. The fall was a dreadful one, but the guards only struck him the harder to force him to get up, and no sooner did he reach Calvary than he sank down again for the seventh time." (The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ)

The seven falls of Christ are a prophecy of the futrue seven year reign of Antichrist. During this time the Church will metaphorically suffer her passion and death in imitation of the Savior.

The seven falls may have other indirect (spritual) meanings.

Edited June 23, 2010 by kafka

[Ziggamafu]

I don't know if I believe that He fell seven times as a matter of historic record, but the devotion is cool. I have a personal devotion to the shoulder wound.