Dear friend, when I hear this melancholy, thought provoking hymn I ask myself what if I had been there when they crucified our Lord? Would I have followed along with His mother Mary and those who remained close to Him all the way to the cross right up to when “He breathed His last”? Would I have filled in for the passer-by, Simon, to help Jesus carry His cross? Would I have fought off the guards to try to free Jesus? Or, would I have been a coward, like Peter, denying that I even knew Jesus?
During the reading of the Passion according to John 18:1-19; 42 – when the crowd cries out “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” I can’t bear to utter these words along with the rest of the congregation – I don’t want to crucify Jesus, I don’t want anyone to crucify our Lord. And yet, were there times during this past year when I may have inadvertently crucified Him? Times when I didn’t obey our Lord, when I did what I wanted to do no matter how much I felt Him urging me and my conscience to do otherwise – isn’t this like crucifying Him, isn’t it like putting a nail in His hand, His feet, piercing His side with a lance?
Holy Week is the final stretch of the Lenten season; a time to vigilantly reflect on the past year and how well we listened to God’s voice and His direction for our life. Many individuals tend to start the New Year with New Year resolutions, me too. Easter Sunday is a time of new life, new hope and a new beginning. For me, I’m too excited so starting now, this Holy Week, I’m going to begin my ‘new life’ with ‘new life’ resolutions – promises – that I will faithfully listen for God to speak to me, to obey His commandments, get out of my own way, and really live life according to His plan for my life. It will take discipline but the truth is that honoring God in this way is the only way to live life. This is what He died on the cross for, to save me and all of us from sin, and I for one will not betray Him but rather faithfully give Him all my love, honor and glory for ever and ever, Amen!
Please take time this Holy Week to reflect on your life this past year – a year that has been very challenging especially considering what the pandemic has brought upon us – however you were able to manage it, always remember, God is a loving and caring God who forgives us time and again, Humbly ask Him to help you in disciplining your ‘new life’ that you too remain true to Him and the great sacrifice He made for us by dying on the cross and to love Him with all your heart and soul.
Here is the link to Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032821.cfm Please take the time to read and while reading reflect on your life and the life, your ‘new life’, you faithfully want to live for God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the sacrifice you made for me and our world, help me to discipline my life; to listen for your voice, to live according to your plan for my life. Help me stop and reflect on my actions always questioning my motives in comparison to your will for me. Forgive me my sins and instill in me the courage to avoid evil and never betray You and your immense love for me. Help me to begin my ‘new life’ and to live my ‘new life’ in accordance with your truth, your commandments and your will for me. I humbly ask this in your Son’s name, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen
May God bless you and yours and keep you all in His loving care!
Peace, love and joy in Christ Jesus!
Marie Antoinette
All life matters – from conception on!
His Righteousness 