Holy Week...

"Even though He was full of divine power, Jesus believed that changing stones into bread, seeking popularity, and being counted among the great ones of the earth were temptations. Again and again Jesus opts for what is small and hidden and poor, and accordingly declines to wield influence.

His miracles always serve to express His profound compassion with suffering humanity. Never are they attempts to call attention to Himself.... It becomes plain to us that God has willed to show love for the world by descending more and more deeply into human frailty.

The more conscious Jesus becomes of the mission entrusted to Him, the more He realizes that that mission will make Him poorer and poorer. And finally He hangs on a cross, crying out with a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Only then do we know how far God has gone to show us His love.

For it is then that Jesus not only reached His utmost poverty,
but also showed us God's utmost love." (Henri J. M. Nouwen)

it's Holy Week....but i'm not feeling very holy...
i've (for the most part) kept up with my Lenten reading and other observances....and that's all been good. And i've listened to (and thought on) words very fitting for the season...that has challenged me. But (honestly) i'm feeling soul weary. i see lots in me that seems so "below" the sacrifice that was made. whatever my reasons, i acknowledge that a lot of the time....i'm not living as much like Christ as i want to be. 

and then i look around me....it seems like there are so many people (that i personally know, even) who have heard the Gospel...but are living like they've never seen Jesus. it seems there is vast confusion on basic and not so basic values of what it means to follow Him...
My heart is so sad.

Maybe this place is one where understanding can happen. Understanding that my dependence is totally on Him. Understanding (again) that, on my own...i'm bound to get it all wrong. I need His Holiness...

Jesus understands my frailty...and He gives me the strength to believe again in Hope, Renewal, Change, New Creations...all the reasons our hearts turn to the Resurrection. this year, i need those reasons more than ever...and i understand in a new way how Easter is centered in our Lord's poverty.

"Jesus, this Easter, please Make Yourself Real to me and to those i love 

who so desperately need You. Help us know You...

and may our changed lives please and glorify You."