And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Today as I meditated on Jesus's final days in Jerusalem - his steps from the Triumphal Entry into the battle with darkness of the passion, the light of love shines through as a beacon. If we take a second to imagine ourselves in Jesus's shoes, it becomes impossible not be torn asunder by fear, dread, doubt, anger and the myriad of emotions that stem from betrayal, social injustice, persecution and pain.
While we like to fast forward through the trials, suffering and excruciating pain of the crucifixion we cannot fully receive the glory of the resurrection unless we take on the pain for a second. By taking on the pain, I mean that we close our eyes, pray to the Holy Spirit and for a moment grieve the agony that Jesus went through. Even more important is that we comprehend, even the scintilla of depth that Jesus was scared, he did feel the hurt and suffered doubts. We so often think that HIS suffering, though difficult could be endured simply because Jesus is God - the truth is that Jesus was also fully man and God the Father spared HIS son no pain - Christ suffered the deepest darkness - so deep only his light of selfless sacrifice could penetrate it.
Jesus rose above his suffering by trusting in the invisible veil of a higher power, Our Father, who he knew had a glorious plan and would heal his wounds - we are called to rise above the pain of the world and see God's miracles even in the worst suffering. Where you have children, families, love, nature - even in the midst of war we can fight for love - with love and light.
We do not deserve forgiveness. We deserve to be condemned, yet Jesus's freewill decision to follow the wishes of God the Father made HIM a perfect sacrifice - wiping us clean, allowing us the joy of eternal salvation and the hope to rise above impenetrable darkness with love.
I have faced many dark nights of the soul on my life journey from fractured relationships that sought to do me harm to financial pain, physical maladies - and it was the rock of faith in Christ that kept the bitterness from my heart. The last year I have battled the layers of a lifetime of losses - and I find myself turning to the Father in prayer, begging and pleading for help.
Sometimes we think unanswered prayers are not heard, or they go unheard, but God through Christ wipes ever tear and even in temporary suffering we will rise up to meet the dawn.
Prayer and Thanksgiving are two of the most important aspects of a relationship with Christ, and I think they are two aspects we often falter on. Yes, we pray and yes many of us claim to be grateful.
The truth is we get so busy with our lives in this world we don't pray like we should, taking time out for God our CREATOR, and we often mouth off more complaints than find reasons to be grateful.
I am GUILTY of this. I find myself complaining about lack, lack, lack, instead of recognizing that every meal, every night in shelter, every paycheck is a gift and if something is not working right instead of complaining - I need to THANK God for this provision and PRAY for something better - I have an apartment now with roaches - I don't feel safe in it - even though it is a great neighborhood - I have complained so long and felt so trapped, that I forgot to ask God for help. I believe through Christ - HE will help me.
Jesus constantly takes time out of his schedule to pray and to have a moment of quiet to speak with the Father - Jesus also makes a point to be grateful and implore gratitude. Part of gratitude is being willing to help others as God has helped you with a tithe or simply showing love and compassion for a neighbor and stranger - we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Last Supper Eucharist shows the power of gratitude and prayer in Christ's instituting of The Lord's Supper
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body.
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
So as you prepare to break bread during Maundy Thursday Service remember to Give Thanks and to PRAYER to God with a whole heart. Christ will answer your call if you are willing to listen. The hardest part of praying is submitting to the will of God and casting our fears and burdens on HIM, accepting his CALL in our lives.
If God calls you in Christ will you answer?
No comments:
Post a Comment