Jesus died for my sins, I who consider myself among the worst of sinners (see 1 Tm 1:15). He was pierced for my offenses, crushed for my sins (Is 53:5). In the face of such sacrificial, redeeming, committed, unconditional love, I have sometimes reacted selfishly and sinfully toward the One Who gave His life for me, instead of responding to His unconditional love with trusting abandon.
Yet instead of abandoning me when I turned my back on Him, Jesus proved His love by letting His face shine on me and saving me (Ps 31:17). Jesus died for me while I was still a sinner (Rm 5:8), before I repented. He came to earth and sympathized with my weaknesses, so I could feel confident in approaching Him for forgiveness (Heb 4:16). Jesus saved me (Ti 3:5).
No wonder the Church calls today "Good Friday." What good news for sinners like me, that Jesus died to save all, you and me! "Into Your hands I commend my spirit" (Ps 31:6).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, nail me to the cross with You so that I can never turn away from You again. |
| PROMISE: | "He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him." –Heb 5:9 |
| PRAISE: | (none) |
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