• Faith

    Wednesday of Holy Week – What Will You Give Me?

    One of the questions today’s passage asks is, “What have we clung to instead of Jesus?”

    Judas chose profit. 

    What are we trading Jesus for?   Comfort, approval, security?

    All of our attachments.  All of the things we consider valuable.  

    Can we surrender them?  

    Are we willing to seek God and our relationship with Him above all else?  

    I think most of us believe in our quest to grow closer to God, even though we still hold tight to our perceived value items.

    Maybe though…just maybe, those are exactly the items that are holding us back?

    As I look around my home, I’m keenly aware of the amount of ‘stuff’ that’s been accumulated.  

    Do I need all of these things?  Did I ever really need them, or was I just trying to fill a void.  

    Perhaps I was seeking to fill space that was only meant for God? 

    And no amount of ‘stuff’ can do that. 

    So what value do I give Him in my home? 

    Where do I see Him when I look around?

    I think it’s time to make space.  Space for me to trust in Him.  

    ”Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you…take care of everything.  Amen.”

  • Faith

    Tuesday of Holy Week – Betrayal and Fidelity

    “No trial is so bitter as being betrayed by a friend.” St. Bernard of Clairvaux

    In today’s passage we are reminded of Judas’ betrayal.  Can we even imagine the sorrow in Jesus’ heart?

    Not only was he facing his coming death but it would begin at the hands of one of his closest friends.  Someone with whom he broke bread and prayed.  Someone he loved. 

    Can you relate?  

    Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? 

    We know how much it hurts.  It cuts deep.  It’s not easy to forgive or get over.  

    So can we even imagine what Jesus was going through?  

    Today’s passage asks us to reflect on not just Judas’ betrayal, but the ways in which we betray Jesus.  

    Are our choices in union with His plan for us? 

    Do our actions reflect His mercy? 

    Or do they lead us away from Him?

    I think through our seemingly insignificant compromises…

    We do betray Him.  And we betray His love.  

    This Holy Week…I pray for discernment.  I pray for clarity in those moments of my day so I may respond in ways that will deepen my faith and lessen my failings.

    ”Jesus, forgive my every betrayal, hidden or known, and help me stay faithful in love. Amen.”