Lent, being a period of sanctification, where we set ourselves a part from the ways of the world, as to recount the 40 days in the desert with our Lord. As we prepare our hearts to share in his passion, this time of sacrifice, fasting, almsgiving, penance and meditation has brought me to greater understanding within the depths of my soul.
We welcomed him on Palm Sunday, our King’s triumphal entry in all humility, on a donkey. Who would have thought, a King, our King, so humble and portrayed so vastly different from the ways of the world.
I recount the scene in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26:39. It humbled me even more to know that, my King, even in his knowledge of the painful suffering on the cross would still be obedient and ready to the Father’s will.
Many a times we pray for strength to overcome suffering. Be it the suffering of our emotions, our hearts, minds, be it the most painful or unbearable physical illnesses that plague our lives. What is ours compared to his? What is our disposition when we are in the wake of suffering? Have we yet a cheek to smile and be thankful of the graces that we have, to overcome them?
For St Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians, Jesus assures us that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9. It is in our weakness often that we are humbled again and again when we know that some things are no longer in our control. It is when we learn to surrender our wills and our everything to the One we love, the One who loves us the most, above all. What a love to comprehend!
As we sing the words in the Lord’s prayer, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, I recount the words that Jesus prayed to our Father on the very day in Gethsemane. How much of our will do we want to surrender to the Father’s, to receive the freedom that is set aside in his love for us?
It was his obedience in abiding to the Father’s will that we too are free today, free from our sins.
Thank you Jesus. I love thee.
April 20th, day before Holy Thursday.