14 April 2019 - next to us

Today's Readings

(Audio)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are (see First John 3:1).

Today we see just what kind of love is given to us.

After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling,
he prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, 
take this cup away from me; 
still, not my will but yours be done."
And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him.
He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently 
that his sweat became like drops of blood
falling on the ground.

We see no mere sentiment. We see more than an affection that wills our good from a distance. We see rather the utter commitment of all Jesus is to loving us and his Father.

We rebel and complain even though our sentences correspond to our crimes. Jesus is innocent yet like Isaiah he can say "I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting." As we endure our own crosses are we preoccupied with complaining about them or are we rather grateful for the one who is in fact right next to us, enduring the same and worse, even though he need not have done so?

Jesus perfectly reveals the heart of the Father. He shows a heart that empties itself out of love. It is a heart which makes its very self and gift and which holds nothing back.

Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness;
and found human in appearance,
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death,

Following this example seems impossible. We see Peter turn aside from it three times. We see preoccupation with status the disciples exhibit and so many other distractions. But we also see the patience of Christ. We do end up bearing our share of sufferings. We usually do not bear them well. But if we, like the good thief, have a moment of clarity, Jesus is waiting to bless us.

Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you, 
today you will be with me in Paradise."

And so let us welcome the King. Let us rejoice in his love just as the crowds did when he entered Jerusalem for them and for us. We know and see our weakness even in this praise but we continue because his mercy is greater than our weakness.

"Blessed is the king who comes
in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest."