Lenten Reflection Day 44 Holy Week: John 13:15

Listen to the audio version here: John 13:15 https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-44-Holy-Week-John-1315-eu17c2

“I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13:15)

Reflection

The foundation of Holy Thursday is charity.

Aware of the certainty of the Cross and confident in his victory over death, Jesus focused on what he did throughout his ministry, serving others. He taught a model of service to his disciples by washing their feet, the lowest of a servant’s duties at the time.

Today’s Intention

May we be blessed this the Holy Thursday, O Lord, with the graces of charity, which flow from the Father through the Holy Spirit.

Peace and Goodness

Lenten Reflection Day 42 Holy Week: Isaiah 49:6

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-42-Holy-Week-Isaiah-496-ets74t

“I will make you a light to the nations,

that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)

Reflection

We hear it over and over again, yet sometimes we do not get it. Jesus’ servant mission was universal. He is the shepherd of every child. Despite what we may imagine, Jesus is the savior for all. Holy Week is the light that shines on that truth.

Today’s Intention

Jesus, help us to become a light of salvation this Holy Week and beyond.

Peace and Goodness

Lenten Reflection Day 41 Holy Week: Isaiah 42:1

Listen to the audio version here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-41-Holy-Week-Isaiah-421-ets6hq

“Here is my servant whom I uphold,

my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” (Isaiah 42:1)

Reflection

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week affirms obedience to the Father.

Holy Week fulfills God’s promise of salvation.

Holy Week models the perfect sacrifice of service.

Holy Week unites our human suffering with the divine.

Holy Week gathers the lost and the scattered sheep.

Holy Week celebrates victory over sin and death.

Holy Week is Jesus, and in him, Holy Week is us.

Today’s Intention

O God, may we too be pleasing to you this Holy Week and always.

Peace and Goodness

Lenten Reflection Day 40: Mark 11:8

Listen to the audio version here: https://anchor.fm/simplediakonia/episodes/Lenten-Reflection-Day-40-Mark-118-etmf4l

“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.” (Mark 11:8)

Reflection

Did you hear? The Messiah has entered Jerusalem.

Come, let us honor him. Bring your palm leaves.

Let us shout: “Jesus Christ is Lord!”

Did you hear? A woman poured perfumed oil on Jesus’ head.

Together with his disciples, Jesus broke bread.

What can we do to prepare him for his death?

Did you hear? One of his disciples betrayed Jesus; another one denied him.

He rests crucified now. He has died so that we may live.

Come, let us join Mary and John at the foot of the cross.

Today’s Intention

Thank you, Lord, for humbling yourself; for sharing our humanity so that we may share your divinity. Following your Father’s will, may the Holy Spirit fills us with a sense of mystery, worship, and prayer this Holy Week.

Peace and Goodness