The journey towards Easter this year was certainly not what I hoped for. By far in the last five years this has been the dryest one of all. Still I clung on as tightly as I could to His love for me.
In the last three weeks leading up to Easter my reflection was on the denial of St Peter. How easy it was to judge him for his lack of faith when it mattered most. And yet how many times had I denied Jesus in my own words and actions? Hence as far as possible I would call to mind this reflection.
The second reflection that hit me in an all new way and only recently was in Jesus’s washing of his disciples feet. St Peter’s response is another classic, in which he protested that his Lord should not wash his feet. Is my own respond to Jesus any different? When I allow empty pride get in the way of allowing my saviour to cleanse me that I be made worthy of Him? I have no part of Him otherwise! He did not cling to His divinity, instead He humbled himself to go on His knees to wash my feet. To cleanse me of my sins. That very act brought to mind the Sacrament of reconciliation. Why does it matter which priest it is? What did it matter how dirty and dark my sins were? How embarrassing it was for me to confess? How can I allow pride to prevent my saviour from cleansing me? Also in that very act of love for me, by washing my feet he shows me how I am called to lead others to His love. I am called to do so in the very same manner.
While I was mourning the loss of my Spirituality this Lent, my dear Lord was speaking His truth to my heart in a deep profound way. My eyes were opened to His great love for me and you during the Easter Vigil! His Peace perfumed the air. His abundant blessings came down upon us as Holy water was sprinkled and we were renewed in His holiness. His shepherd then let us in a joyful celebration in His love. I praised and thanked Jesus and offered to try my hardest to always stand ready to serve Him in humility. I honestly did not think He would call me so soon, but that very night I was called up to serve Him even though it looked there were more than enough hands and feet on duty. Needless to say I was in awe. Joy filled my heart and it has carried over today.
May the joy of the Risen Lord fill your heart not just for a day or two but for all eternity. Amen
