The joy of conversion, Christian community, and the Catholic faith
The view from the top of the mountain in New Mexico was enchanting. I could almost see the Texas border as the sun set on the wooden cross. I was 15 and finally old enough to go to the annual youth retreat sponsored by my Protestant church in El Paso, TX. The crackle of the campfire, the smell of the marshmallows toasting and the cool breeze of early March kept us near the fire.
“Thy kingdom come …” Every soul that God has ever created and ever will create he wishes to be with him in heaven for eternity. Jesus is so committed to us that he suffered torture and death to make that happen. His thirst is for the salvation of all people.
You can help quench part of his thirst by accepting him into your life. You can be a cup of fresh water for Jesus.
Have you ever been hurt by someone you love and trust completely? The astonishment is often greater than the pain; you simply cannot believe that person did it. Jesus was one with the Father. He knows his Father is not abandoning him, but the real suffering of the cross brings out his anguish in these words. The Father has not abandoned Jesus. He will not remove the cross, but he will stay by Jesus and see him through his ordeal.
Lenten Series: The key episode in all of history is the death and resurrection of Jesus. No other event in history is remotely close in impact and permanence of effect. It was the reason he came to Earth, the fulfillment of his life. The Son of God became man so he could pay the price of our sins on the cross. His whole human existence pointed to this moment.
The scriptures record what Christ said while he hung on the cross. For all believers, his words are worth pondering. The seven last words of Christ are seven statements he made. They are the last teachings he gave to us and connect to his teaching on how we should pray.
“Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)
“But deliver us from evil. Amen!” Jesus was crucified because of the works of evil men and the Evil One. His trust in the Father knew no bounds. He was afraid but despite the fear, he continued to do the task given to him.
We have tasks to do. Sometimes they are positive tasks we must accomplish like going to work. Sometimes they are negative tasks, things we must avoid today like drugs or pornography. God stands ready to help us in everything he asks us to do.