|
|
“We focus on Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, but we forget to pause in the stillness of the days between. Find time today to be present in that place of waiting. There is treasure to be found in the sacred peace that comes as you breathe in that place of quiet surrender. Don’t rush through the space called “Between.”
― Katherine J Walden
(Between the death of Jesus and his resurrection is a time period analogous to the "in-between" time of his historical existence and second coming. Let the holy mysteries celebrated these days bring deeper openness to God's loving presence in this time of your life.)
|
|
|
Is 52:13—53:12; Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Jn 18:1—19:42
Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley
to where there was a garden,
into which he and his disciples entered. . .
(Continue reading in John's Gospel.)
USCCB lectionary
|
Reflection on the Scripture
|
“He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.” —Hebrews 5:9
When we venerate the cross today and kiss the wounds of Jesus, may we be totally committed to Him, repentant of all sins, and zealous for everyone to know our crucified Savior’s love. If obedience, repentance, and evangelization are not our responses to Jesus’ sacrificial death, the cross of Christ is “rendered void of its meaning” (1 Cor 1:17). The Lord wants us to leave church today willing to suffer anything so as to lead as
many as possible to Jesus (1 Cor 9:19).
After what Jesus has done for us, we must be willing to die, if only we can lead someone to Him. The greatest need of a starving person is not food but Jesus, the Bread of life. The greatest need of a wounded person is not healing but the Healer. It is certainly true that we probably can’t evangelize someone who has an empty stomach; however, eternal salvation is of the greatest importance. Jesus will provide our daily bread and
heal our wounds.
However, our need is not primarily for what Jesus can do; our primary need is the need for Jesus Himself. Starving or hurt persons can live forever in perfect happiness, but those who don’t know Jesus are “among the living dead” (1 Jn 3:14). For those who believe in Jesus with all their hearts, the Lord turns even the most difficult lives into something glorious (see Rm 8:28).
Good Friday will be good when we love Jesus by sharing the Good News of His love for us.
Prayer: Jesus, You gave Your life for me; I give my life for You.
Promise: Jesus, You gave Your life for me; I give my life for You.
Presentation Ministries
|
|
|
Abandonment to Divine Providence
- by Jean-Pierre de Caussade
BOOK II,
CHAPTER IV. CONCERNING THE ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY THE FATHERLY PROVIDENCE OF GOD TO THOSE SOULS WHO HAVE ABANDONED THEMSELVES TO HIM
SECTION 8. Self-guidance a mistake
God imparts to the soul in the state of abandonment by means which seem more likely to destroy it.
A courageous spirit does much to maintain a feeble body, and one year of a life spent in so noble and generous a manner is of more value than would be a century of care-taking and nervous fears. One ought to be able to show outwardly that one is in a state of grace and goodwill. What is there to be afraid of in fulfilling the divine will? The conduct of one who is upheld and sustained by it should show nothing
exteriorly but what is heroic. The terrifying experiences that have to be encountered are really nothing. They are only sent that life may be adorned with more glorious victories. The divine will involves the soul in troubles of every kind, where human prudence can neither see nor imagine any outlet. It then feels all its weakness, and, finding out its shortcomings, is confounded. The divine will then asserts itself in all its power to those who give themselves to it without reserve. It succours
them more marvellously than the writers of fiction, in the fertility of their imagination, unravel the intrigues and perils of their imaginary heroes, and bring them to a happy end. With a much more admirable skill, and much more happily, does the divine will guide the soul through deadly perils and monsters, even through the fires of hell with their demons and sufferings. It raises souls to the heights of heaven, and makes them the subjects of histories both real and mystical, more beautiful,
and more extraordinary than any invented by the vain imagination of people.
|
|
Paperback, Hardback, Kindle
|
|
Please support this outreach with a tax-deductible donation.
|
|
|
