As we conclude Lent and approach Easter, we often are beset with many troubles. We may feel disappointed concerning Lent. We think we have "toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent" our strength (Is 49:4). We may also feel bad about our lack of commitment this Lent, and now it seems too late.
On top of these feelings, we probably have some upsetting relationships. We may feel betrayed, rejected, and unloved. Holy Week is already turning into a catastrophe. We're tempted to try to escape and forget the whole thing.
However, we shouldn't fall for these temptations. This will be a glorious Easter, if we will only believe, repent, forgive, and be reconciled. We must not let the devil rob us of Lent and Easter. No matter how bad things are in our lives, the Lord can transform suffering, rejection, and even death into the glory of resurrection.
We may be suffering with Jesus through a literal holy week, as He did, but we will also rise with Him. "If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him; if we hold out to the end we shall also reign with Him" (2 Tm 2:11-12).
Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection are not just a memory. They are for us, now, in our everyday lives.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I rejoice in suffering "the distress of many trials" (1 Pt 1:6). |
| PROMISE: | "God will, in turn, glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him soon." –Jn 13:32 |
| PRAISE: | Even when John's best friend died suddenly, his faith in the Lord did not waver. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College