Susanne Timpani's Blog, page 2
April 11, 2017
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Jane Borg (No. 245)Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19: 25-27
[image error] This is the moment Jesus commended his mother to us all. Just as she had been Jesus’ mother, she is now to be ours.
Mary, the perfectmother. She nurtured her son into a man – she fed him, she washed him, she taught him, fixed his scrapes, she faced his challenges with him as he grew, listened to him as he shared his life, watched him develop in his trade with his earthly father, supported him as he explored his vocation, and loved him unconditionally.
Mary is now our mother as well. How often do we turn to her for help? How often do we reflect on her example and try to be just a little more loving, a little more nurturing, a little more faithful to what God is asking of us? I know I fall way short of this, both as a mother and as a disciple of Jesus.
Yes, Jesus entrustedMary to us; but He also said to Mary “behold your son”. Just as we are to welcome Mary into our lives, she welcomes us into hers. What a blessing for us and how easily we can forget this blessing.
This Holy Week as we reflect on the passion of Jesus, let us not forget His mother, who would never have been far away from her son and who would have suffered greatly as she watched him suffer as she knew he must.
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women; and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God. Pray for us sinners; now and at the hour of our death. Amen
April 10, 2017
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Louise Crossley (No.243) And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews”.
Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right hand and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying:“You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the Cross”.
So also the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him, saying:“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the Cross and we will believe in him”. Matthew 27:35-42
As horrific as this scene is, don’t we do it too in some ways? Whenever we wonder why Jesus allows suffering, loneliness, starvation, aren’t we expecting Him to come down and save us, prove to us that He is there?
The key message in this Passion is Jesus showing us that He will do what He expects of us. Like a good mother who asks children to do as she does not just as she says, Jesus is showing us that He is prepared to suffer for the greater good.
While it may not make perfect sense, the suffering that happens in the world will one day. Like the devoted followers of Jesus at a time when many mocked and despised Him, we must have faith that the suffering in this world has a purpose too.
We must be mindful in our actions and thinking, and especially in our conversations. Be very careful that while we are putting it in another way, we are not saying the same thing…
“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the Cross and we will believe in him”.
Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right hand and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying:“You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the Cross”.
So also the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him, saying:“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the Cross and we will believe in him”. Matthew 27:35-42
As horrific as this scene is, don’t we do it too in some ways? Whenever we wonder why Jesus allows suffering, loneliness, starvation, aren’t we expecting Him to come down and save us, prove to us that He is there?
The key message in this Passion is Jesus showing us that He will do what He expects of us. Like a good mother who asks children to do as she does not just as she says, Jesus is showing us that He is prepared to suffer for the greater good.
While it may not make perfect sense, the suffering that happens in the world will one day. Like the devoted followers of Jesus at a time when many mocked and despised Him, we must have faith that the suffering in this world has a purpose too.
We must be mindful in our actions and thinking, and especially in our conversations. Be very careful that while we are putting it in another way, we are not saying the same thing…
“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the Cross and we will believe in him”.
April 9, 2017
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Malcolm Davies (No. 240)
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."
(Luke 23: 33-34)
The Cross is the sign of sin in the world.
Jesus is confronted with rejection and hatred but responds with unconditional love to those who set out to kill him.
Jesus offers forgiveness to the soldiers, chief priests and to each one of us who has not made him Lord of our life.
The life of love that culminated in the crucifixion of Jesus is a laying down of his life for us who cannot love like Jesus loves.
The grace of God empowers us to become like Jesus and love like him when we say yes to that grace.
The cross therefore becomes a sign of our forgiveness and the path to eternal life because it is the sign of God’s love and mercy to each one of us.
Will you accept the grace of the Cross in a new way this Easter?
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."
(Luke 23: 33-34)
The Cross is the sign of sin in the world.
Jesus is confronted with rejection and hatred but responds with unconditional love to those who set out to kill him.
Jesus offers forgiveness to the soldiers, chief priests and to each one of us who has not made him Lord of our life.
The life of love that culminated in the crucifixion of Jesus is a laying down of his life for us who cannot love like Jesus loves.
The grace of God empowers us to become like Jesus and love like him when we say yes to that grace.
The cross therefore becomes a sign of our forgiveness and the path to eternal life because it is the sign of God’s love and mercy to each one of us.
Will you accept the grace of the Cross in a new way this Easter?
April 8, 2017
Ninth Station of the Cross: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani with Jane Borg (No. 241)
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?"
Luke 23: 27-31
Jesus had drawn support and loyalty from a large group of people, especially from those regarded as misfits. Some of the women in this scene would have been amongst those who had left behind their homes, families and friends and travelled with Jesus from town to town. They then supported Him and his disciples, providing for all their needs.
Their encounter with Jesus was clearly life changing, as it was with the other travellers in their group. People encountered Jesus in a way that healed them physically and spiritually. But now they follow him, as the soldiers lead Him through the street like a common criminal.
He turned and urged them not to weep for him, but for themselves, and the days of trial that lay ahead.
Let us allowHim to wipe away our tears as we believe in the promise -
"He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” Revelation 21:4
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?"
Luke 23: 27-31
Jesus had drawn support and loyalty from a large group of people, especially from those regarded as misfits. Some of the women in this scene would have been amongst those who had left behind their homes, families and friends and travelled with Jesus from town to town. They then supported Him and his disciples, providing for all their needs.
Their encounter with Jesus was clearly life changing, as it was with the other travellers in their group. People encountered Jesus in a way that healed them physically and spiritually. But now they follow him, as the soldiers lead Him through the street like a common criminal.
He turned and urged them not to weep for him, but for themselves, and the days of trial that lay ahead.
Let us allowHim to wipe away our tears as we believe in the promise -
"He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” Revelation 21:4
April 6, 2017
Eighth Station: Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrenian
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Jane Borg (No. 240)
They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
(Mark 15: 21)
It is interesting that we are told so much about Simon – that he had come in from the country and that he had two sons. He was a family man and had probably come in to Jerusalem for business so carrying the cross for this ‘criminal’ was not likely to have been on his travel itinerary. He had responsibilities at home and in town; things to do, places to be.
He was just a passer-by; yet he didn't get to pass by. He was pressed into service. Doesn't have the ring of volunteering in that term, does it? Yet, he did as asked – there was no choice but to obey the Romans.
What about us? Can we be a bit like Simon – things to do; places to be? How willing are we to slow down and look around us to see the needs of others? They might be in our family, our neighbourhood, our workplace or our Church?
It reminds us of Jesus’ challenge to us in Matt 25:31-40 when he is telling his disciples, and us, the basis on which we will all be judged. It is not on our success in business or how many friends we have or how much power or how much money; rather on how we opened our eyes and hearts to others and took action:
Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
Lord, help us to be your willing agents of love.
(Mark 15: 21)
It is interesting that we are told so much about Simon – that he had come in from the country and that he had two sons. He was a family man and had probably come in to Jerusalem for business so carrying the cross for this ‘criminal’ was not likely to have been on his travel itinerary. He had responsibilities at home and in town; things to do, places to be.
He was just a passer-by; yet he didn't get to pass by. He was pressed into service. Doesn't have the ring of volunteering in that term, does it? Yet, he did as asked – there was no choice but to obey the Romans.
What about us? Can we be a bit like Simon – things to do; places to be? How willing are we to slow down and look around us to see the needs of others? They might be in our family, our neighbourhood, our workplace or our Church?
It reminds us of Jesus’ challenge to us in Matt 25:31-40 when he is telling his disciples, and us, the basis on which we will all be judged. It is not on our success in business or how many friends we have or how much power or how much money; rather on how we opened our eyes and hearts to others and took action:
Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
Lord, help us to be your willing agents of love.
April 1, 2017
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Louise Crossley (No. 239)
When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him." ... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.(John 19: 6, 15-17)
When I gave birth for the first time, I felt that it was more than I could bear. I vividly remember fearing I could literally break in half. The other births, while still painful, where less overwhelming as my body was strengthened by past experience.
When I first experienced a broken heart, I thought I could not live on. The pain seeped through my body as though my heart was leaking venom that was poisoning my will to go on. While, heartbreak is never easy, it gets a little less intense as a result of knowing what to expect or from bracing ourselves somewhat.
Jesus carrying the cross at this Station represents the impact of first times. The fear of the unknown makes difficult times more difficult. When we carry our own cross for the first time it seems heavier until we prove to ourselves that we are strong enough and that Jesus is with us.
When this happens we are sometimes given a choice: to endure or not to endure? Even when there is no choice, we choose how we cope. We choose the manner in which to conduct ourselves during difficult times.
The Cross may be especially heavy when we experience ‘no guilt’ for wrong doings and wonder why bad things happen to good people. At this time, we can reflect on Jesus and this Station, and carry our burdens with as much strength as we can find.
‘Shall I crucify your … (faith)?’ Asks this world over and over. What will your answer be next time you are asked?
When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him." ... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.(John 19: 6, 15-17)
When I gave birth for the first time, I felt that it was more than I could bear. I vividly remember fearing I could literally break in half. The other births, while still painful, where less overwhelming as my body was strengthened by past experience.
When I first experienced a broken heart, I thought I could not live on. The pain seeped through my body as though my heart was leaking venom that was poisoning my will to go on. While, heartbreak is never easy, it gets a little less intense as a result of knowing what to expect or from bracing ourselves somewhat.
Jesus carrying the cross at this Station represents the impact of first times. The fear of the unknown makes difficult times more difficult. When we carry our own cross for the first time it seems heavier until we prove to ourselves that we are strong enough and that Jesus is with us.
When this happens we are sometimes given a choice: to endure or not to endure? Even when there is no choice, we choose how we cope. We choose the manner in which to conduct ourselves during difficult times.
The Cross may be especially heavy when we experience ‘no guilt’ for wrong doings and wonder why bad things happen to good people. At this time, we can reflect on Jesus and this Station, and carry our burdens with as much strength as we can find.
‘Shall I crucify your … (faith)?’ Asks this world over and over. What will your answer be next time you are asked?
March 30, 2017
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Margaret Kirchener (No. 238)
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,"Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly. John 19:1-3
The bathroom seems so far away.My arthritis has flared up and every step is torture.
I crawl through the house using a broom as a crutch. I desperately need my medication.
Everything else in my life fades. All that exists is me and the throbbing pain.
I retrieve the medicine and laboriously return to the couch. I am overwhelmed.
“Hello. How was your evening?’ My husband asks as he strolls in. I burst into tears and he enfolds me in his arms.
All over the world people live with chronic pain, their lives dominated by medication, tests and specialists.
My doctor's new tablets bring me freedom and health. I thank God for healingbut also for a new understanding of the suffering he endured at Calvary.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,"Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly. John 19:1-3
The bathroom seems so far away.My arthritis has flared up and every step is torture.
I crawl through the house using a broom as a crutch. I desperately need my medication.
Everything else in my life fades. All that exists is me and the throbbing pain.
I retrieve the medicine and laboriously return to the couch. I am overwhelmed.
“Hello. How was your evening?’ My husband asks as he strolls in. I burst into tears and he enfolds me in his arms.
All over the world people live with chronic pain, their lives dominated by medication, tests and specialists.
My doctor's new tablets bring me freedom and health. I thank God for healingbut also for a new understanding of the suffering he endured at Calvary.
March 25, 2017
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani (No.237)
As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things.
Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.”
But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Mark 15: 1-5
…So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15
Being judged and wrongly declared guilty is a horrible experience. I had a taste of this once when a valuable item went missing in my share household and everything pointed to me. It's equally as devastating when you are judged and victimised for standing up for something you believe in. A sense of our own powerlessness can make us feel incredibly vulnerable and rejected.
What kind of God is willingly vulnerable to the opinions and judgements of humans? Standing before Pilate, was Jesus thinking about the divine power He could invoke to escape from the fate of death?
After facing a tragic loss, event or illness a support group can be a powerful source of strength and healing. We connect with someone who 'has been there' and knows what it feels like.
Is this why Jesus accepted His judgement without defence? So that when we feel judged, condemned and rejected we know that He knows how that feels?
While we travel this Lenten journey, let us not forget that no matter what trials we face here on earth, God will never leave us to face them on our own.
'What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?
Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:31-37
As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.
Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things.
Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.”
But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Mark 15: 1-5
…So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15
Being judged and wrongly declared guilty is a horrible experience. I had a taste of this once when a valuable item went missing in my share household and everything pointed to me. It's equally as devastating when you are judged and victimised for standing up for something you believe in. A sense of our own powerlessness can make us feel incredibly vulnerable and rejected.
What kind of God is willingly vulnerable to the opinions and judgements of humans? Standing before Pilate, was Jesus thinking about the divine power He could invoke to escape from the fate of death?
After facing a tragic loss, event or illness a support group can be a powerful source of strength and healing. We connect with someone who 'has been there' and knows what it feels like.
Is this why Jesus accepted His judgement without defence? So that when we feel judged, condemned and rejected we know that He knows how that feels?
While we travel this Lenten journey, let us not forget that no matter what trials we face here on earth, God will never leave us to face them on our own.
'What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?
Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:31-37
March 23, 2017
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Malcolm Davies (No. 236)
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!"
As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!"
A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed.
Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. Matthew 26: 69-75
When Jesus first met Peter, He fixed his gaze upon him and said, 'You are Simon, son of John; you will be called Peter'. (John 1:42)That was an experience of the grace of God in giving the fisherman a new vocation to proclaim the love and mercy of God.Later on, Peter had a unique experience of grace with James and John when they witnessed the Transfiguration whereby the body of Jesus was transformed by Light. Matthew 17:1-13Despite experiencing miracles, healings and the Transfiguration, Peter was still full of fear of death and therefore denied knowing Jesus in the courtyard.Deep down Peter was open to the grace of mercy and forgiveness and that is why he allowed himself the grace of a renewed relationship with Jesus after the resurrection. No matter how poorly we have responded to the love and care of Jesus in our lives He is always there to offer unconditional grace and love. There is no limit to the love of God in our lives and the relationship he wants to have with each one of us. Will you say yes to His mercy as you seek forgiveness during this season of Lent?
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!"
As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!"
A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed.
Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. Matthew 26: 69-75
When Jesus first met Peter, He fixed his gaze upon him and said, 'You are Simon, son of John; you will be called Peter'. (John 1:42)That was an experience of the grace of God in giving the fisherman a new vocation to proclaim the love and mercy of God.Later on, Peter had a unique experience of grace with James and John when they witnessed the Transfiguration whereby the body of Jesus was transformed by Light. Matthew 17:1-13Despite experiencing miracles, healings and the Transfiguration, Peter was still full of fear of death and therefore denied knowing Jesus in the courtyard.Deep down Peter was open to the grace of mercy and forgiveness and that is why he allowed himself the grace of a renewed relationship with Jesus after the resurrection. No matter how poorly we have responded to the love and care of Jesus in our lives He is always there to offer unconditional grace and love. There is no limit to the love of God in our lives and the relationship he wants to have with each one of us. Will you say yes to His mercy as you seek forgiveness during this season of Lent?
March 18, 2017
Third Station: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin
10 Minute Daily Retreat - Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Jane Borg (No. 235)
When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.”He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!” Luke 22: 66-71
By the time Jesus got to the Sanhedrin, he had been deserted by his closest friends and betrayed by one of his disciples. Now he is standing before the Sanhedrin –the leaders of the people of God; priests of the Temple; God’s representatives on earth; defenders of the faith; shepherds of God's people. Of all, these should have recognised Him for who He was – the Son of God; if their eyes had been open! But they were not. These men were full of pride and greed and could not see that their God stood before them.
How easy it is for us to stand in condemnation of their blindness. Yet this season of Lent provides us with an opportunity to look deep within our own hearts. Perhaps there are areas of our own life where we do not fully believe the Word of God? Or areas where we believe, but do not respond to His call?
We have the benefit of hindsight and thousands of years of teaching to assure us that Jesus truly is the Messiah, who suffered his passion and death so that we could have a relationship with Him and one day join Him in eternity. Despite this, so often we still choose today over eternity.
Will I pray today? Will I take this Lenten journey seriously? Will I forgo a little splurge and give that money to someone in need? Will I go out of my way to bring joy into the life of someone who needs a friend?
Perhaps we need to cry out like the centurion “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
We can trust that Jesus our Lord, desires nothing more than to grant us the gift of ever deeper faith.
When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.”He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!” Luke 22: 66-71
By the time Jesus got to the Sanhedrin, he had been deserted by his closest friends and betrayed by one of his disciples. Now he is standing before the Sanhedrin –the leaders of the people of God; priests of the Temple; God’s representatives on earth; defenders of the faith; shepherds of God's people. Of all, these should have recognised Him for who He was – the Son of God; if their eyes had been open! But they were not. These men were full of pride and greed and could not see that their God stood before them.
How easy it is for us to stand in condemnation of their blindness. Yet this season of Lent provides us with an opportunity to look deep within our own hearts. Perhaps there are areas of our own life where we do not fully believe the Word of God? Or areas where we believe, but do not respond to His call?
We have the benefit of hindsight and thousands of years of teaching to assure us that Jesus truly is the Messiah, who suffered his passion and death so that we could have a relationship with Him and one day join Him in eternity. Despite this, so often we still choose today over eternity.
Will I pray today? Will I take this Lenten journey seriously? Will I forgo a little splurge and give that money to someone in need? Will I go out of my way to bring joy into the life of someone who needs a friend?
Perhaps we need to cry out like the centurion “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
We can trust that Jesus our Lord, desires nothing more than to grant us the gift of ever deeper faith.
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