by LottCarey | Mar 31, 2024 | Lent 2024
In the quiet walk to Emmaus, two disciples pondered the events that had unfolded. Cleopas and another, whose name history did not record, engaged in a conversation that would change their lives forever. It is in this unnamed disciple that we find a reflection of ourselves – ordinary individuals seeking understanding and truth.
As they walked, a stranger joined them, igniting their hearts with words that burned like a beacon in the night. This stranger was none other than the Risen Christ, though they knew it not. He spoke to them, not as one seeking glory or recognition, but as one imparting wisdom and hope. The scriptures came alive, and their hearts were set ablaze with a passion that only the divine word can kindle.
This narrative reminds us that in our own journey of faith, we need not be renowned or distinguished to experience the transformative power of God’s word. Our names may never be etched in the annals of history, but our hearts can still resonate with the truth of the Resurrection. We, too, can bear witness to the life-changing presence of Jesus in our lives.
The disciples’ realization that Jesus was alive transformed their despair into joy, their fear into courage. They could not contain this revelation; they rushed back to share the Good News. In their testimony, we are reminded that the message of Jesus’ resurrection is not confined to the extraordinary but is entrusted to the ordinary – to each of us.
We are called to see Jesus in the everyday, to recognize Him in the mundane, and to proclaim His living presence in our lives. The greatest news ever received – that Jesus is alive – is ours to share. It is a gift of immeasurable value, a treasure that we, ordinary people, have the honor of declaring to the world.
Let us walk our paths with hearts open to the words of Christ, allowing them to burn within us and guide us. May we, like Cleopas and the unnamed disciple, be emboldened to share the joyous truth: Jesus is alive, and His love endures forever.
Prayer
Lord, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude and awe, reflecting on the extraordinary news of the Resurrection that was shared with ordinary individuals. In the quiet walk to Emmaus, two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed companion, were transformed by the presence of the Risen Christ. Their hearts were set ablaze with the wisdom and hope He imparted, igniting a passion that only the divine word can kindle.
We recognize in this narrative a call to our own lives: that we too, ordinary individuals, can bear witness to the life-changing presence of Jesus. We are called to see Him in the everyday, to recognize Him in the mundane, and to proclaim His living presence in our lives. The Good News of the Resurrection is not confined to the extraordinary; it is entrusted to the ordinary, to each of us.
Lord, we pray for the grace to walk our paths with hearts open to the words of Christ, allowing them to burn within us and guide us. May we, like Cleopas and the unnamed disciple, be emboldened to share the joyous truth: Jesus is alive, and His love endures forever. We ask for the strength to overcome our fears and to proclaim this Good News with love, respect, and without the desire for recognition or glory.
May we be instruments of Your love, sharing the transformative power of the Resurrection with others. Help us to encounter Jesus in our daily lives, to experience His love, and to share that love with the world. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
by LottCarey | Mar 30, 2024 | Lent 2024
As Easter eve approaches, the Christian world enters a period of deep reflection and somber remembrance. This is a time to mourn the death of Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in Christian faith that signifies the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins. The air is filled with solemn reverence, as believers contemplate the weight of this sacrifice.
Yet, even in mourning, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. Easter eve is not only about death but also about the promise of life. It is the precursor to the joyous celebration of resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian belief that proclaims victory over death and offers hope of eternal life.
In this sacred time, the faithful are called to introspection and prayer, to align their hearts with the profound mysteries of their faith. Some churches are draped in purple, the color of penitence and mourning, yet they stand ready to burst forth in the white and gold of resurrection joy.
We embrace the sorrow and the hope intertwined in this holy observance. As the sun sets on this solemn day, let us prepare our hearts for the dawn of Resurrection morning, when the cry resounds, “He is risen!” and the promise of new life is fulfilled.
We gather in the dimming light, our hearts heavy with the remembrance of the cross. The echoes of “It is finished” linger in the air, a solemn reminder of the price paid for redemption. We sit in the shadow of death, yet we know this is not the end.
As night falls, we enter into a vigil, a watchful waiting for the first light of Resurrection. It is a time to reflect on the darkness of the tomb and the light that is to come. In this sacred pause, we are reminded that life springs from death, and hope emerges from despair.
With the breaking of dawn, the mourning turns to joy. The stone is rolled away, and the grave is found empty. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality, offering us a glimpse of the divine and the assurance of life everlasting.
This Easter eve, let us walk the path of sorrow with the knowledge that it leads to the most glorious of mornings. Let us prepare our hearts for the resurrection, for the moment when love conquers death and life is reborn.
May the day of resurrection be filled with the profound peace and joy that comes from this assurance.
Prayer
As we approach the solemn vigil of Resurrection, we pause to reflect on the profound mysteries of faith that bind us together. In the quiet of this sacred time, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of love and redemption that offers us hope and the promise of eternal life. This Easter eve, we stand at the threshold of a new dawn, a time when death is conquered, and life is reborn.
Lord, we gather in the dimming light, our hearts heavy with the remembrance of the cross. We sit in the shadow of death, yet we know this is not the end. We enter into a vigil, a watchful waiting for the first light of Resurrection. In this sacred pause, we are reminded that life springs from death, and hope emerges from despair.
O God, enlighten this most holy night with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection. Preserve the spirit of adoption which You have given to all Your people, so that renewed in body and soul, we may serve You in all purity; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord, show us that love is stronger than hatred, that love is stronger than death. Descend into the darkness and the abyss of our modern age, and take by the hand those who await You. Bring them to the light! In my own dark nights, be with me to bring me forth! Help me, help all of us, to descend with You into the darkness of all those people who are still waiting for You, who out of the depths cry unto You! Help us to bring them Your light! Help us to say the “yes” of love, the love that makes us descend with You and, in so doing, also to rise with You.
As the sun sets on this solemn day, let us prepare our hearts for the dawn of Resurrection morning, when the cry resounds, “He is risen!” and the promise of new life is fulfilled. May the day of resurrection be filled with the profound peace and joy that comes from this assurance. Amen.
by LottCarey | Mar 29, 2024 | Lent 2024
By six in the evening on the first Good Friday, the world was a different place. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had died on the cross, suffering the most humiliating and agonizing death imaginable. He had been betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, mocked, whipped, and crucified by the very people He came to save. He had cried out in anguish, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” and breathed His last. His body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, sealed by a large stone. His disciples were scattered, fearful, and hopeless.
The Jewish leaders were satisfied, thinking they had eliminated a threat to their authority and religion. The Roman soldiers were indifferent, having executed another criminal among many. The world seemed to have gone on as usual, oblivious to the cosmic significance of what had just happened.
But what had just happened was nothing less than the turning point of history, the climax of God’s plan of salvation, the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the demonstration of God’s love for humanity. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, had offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. He had paid the price of our redemption, reconciling us to God and opening the way to eternal life. He had conquered sin and death, breaking their power and securing our victory. He had revealed the depth of God’s grace and mercy, inviting us to receive His forgiveness and friendship. He had accomplished His mission, saying, “It is finished.”
The world was a different place because of Good Friday, but not everyone recognized it. Only those who believed in Jesus as their Lord and Savior could understand the meaning and value of His death. Only those who trusted in His promises and followed His commands could experience the benefits and blessings of His sacrifice. Only those who were born again by His Spirit and united with His body could share in His resurrection and glory. Only those who loved Him and worshiped Him could appreciate His love and worship Him in spirit and truth.
Good Friday is not just a historical event or a religious observance. It is a personal encounter with the crucified and risen Lord, who invites us to join Him in His death and resurrection, and to follow Him in His mission and His glory. Let us respond to His call with faith, obedience, and love, and let us celebrate His victory with gratitude, praise, and worship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for Your amazing love and grace, that You gave Yourself for us on the cross, to save us from our sins and to bring us to God. We praise You for Your power and glory, that You rose from the dead, to defeat our enemies and to secure our future. We worship You for Your presence and promises, that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.
We confess that we have not always appreciated the revolutionary difference that Your death and resurrection have made in our lives and in our world. We have often ignored, neglected, or disobeyed Your call to follow You in Your mission and Your glory. We have sometimes been ashamed, afraid, or indifferent to Your gospel and Your kingdom. We have frequently failed to love You and our neighbor as You have loved us.
Forgive us, Lord, and renew us by Your Spirit. Help us to repent of our sins and to believe in Your good news. Help us to take up our cross and to follow You, no matter the cost or the challenge. Help us to love You with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves, reflecting Your image and Your character. Help us to proclaim Your death and resurrection to the world, testifying to Your saving power and Your coming kingdom. Help us to rejoice in Your presence and Your promises, living in hope and joy, knowing that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.
We ask this in Your name, and for Your sake. Amen.
by LottCarey | Mar 28, 2024 | Lent 2024
Have you ever felt like you were in a dark place, where you could not see any hope or light? Have you ever cried out to God for help, but felt like your prayers were not heard or answered? Have you ever wondered where God is when you are going through the most difficult trials of your life?
If you have, you are not alone. Many people in the Bible experienced the same feelings of despair, loneliness, and abandonment. Even Jesus, the Son of God, felt forsaken by His Father when He was on the cross, bearing the sins of the world.
But the good news is that God is not absent or indifferent to our pain. God is always with us, even when we cannot see or feel God’s presence. God is always working for our good, even when we do not understand God’s ways. God is always faithful, even when we are faithless.
One of the most powerful examples of God’s nearness in the darkness is the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. On the night before His death, Jesus was in great agony, knowing the suffering and separation that awaited Him. He prayed earnestly to His Father, asking if there was any other way to accomplish His mission. He sweat drops of blood as He wrestled with His will and the will of God.
But in the midst of His anguish, God did not leave Him alone. God sent an angel from heaven to strengthen Him and comfort Him. God showed Him that He was not forgotten or forsaken, but loved and supported. God gave Him the grace and courage to face the cross and say, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
God is near in the darkness, and often uses the darkness to draw us close. It teaches us that the Holy One is not hindered by the darkness or the cloudiness, but can use them to reveal God’s glory and power. It teaches us that the Creator is not silent or inactive, but is speaking and acting in ways that we may not perceive or appreciate.
The Bible says that God dwells in unapproachable light, and that no one can see God and live. But it also says that God covers Godself with darkness as a canopy, and makes the clouds God’s chariot. God is the one who said, “Let there be light,” and who separated the light from the darkness. God is the one who created the sun, the moon, and the stars, and who controls their movements and seasons. God is the one who can turn the darkness into light, and the light into darkness.
God is the one who appeared to Moses in a burning bush, and to the Israelites in a pillar of cloud and fire. God is the one who descended on Mount Sinai in thunder and lightning, and who spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. God is the one who led the people through the wilderness, and who gave them the Promised Land. God is the one who came down to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for our salvation.
God is the one who promises to never leave us nor forsake us, and who will come again to take us to the eternal home. God is the one who loves us with an everlasting love, and who invites us to draw near to the Source of all life with confidence and boldness.
So, the next time you find yourself in a dark place, do not despair or doubt. Remember that God is near, and is drawing near to you. Remember that the Creator has a purpose and a plan for your life, and will fulfill it in God’s time and way. Remember that the Holy One is your light and your salvation, and will guide you and protect you.
And remember that one day, there will be no more darkness or cloudiness, but only the brightness of God’s glory and the joy of God’s presence.
Prayer
Dear Lord, in times of darkness, when the world seems to close in, and my heart feels heavy with despair, I call upon You. I acknowledge that You are always with me, even when I cannot see or feel Your presence. Your faithfulness is unwavering, Your love is eternal, and Your plan for my life is always good.
I remember the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed earnestly for strength and guidance. Despite the anguish He felt, You did not abandon Him but sent an angel to comfort and strengthen Him. This reminds me that You are near, even in the most trying moments, ready to support and guide me.
Lord, I confess that I have doubted Your nearness, especially in the depths of my suffering. But I believe in Your promise that You are always with me, even when I cannot see or feel You. I trust in Your faithfulness and Your love for me.
In this moment of darkness, I ask for Your divine protection. Shield me from the darkness that tries to overwhelm me and fill me with Your light. Guide me through the trials that I am facing, and help me to see Your goodness in all things.
I trust in Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In the midst of my despair, I cling to Your promise of deliverance and Your promise of a better day. I believe that You will lead me through the darkest nights to the brightest days.
Lord, I surrender my fears and doubts to You. I trust in Your plan for my life and Your promise of eternal life. I ask for Your strength to face the challenges ahead and Your comfort in times of pain.
I believe in Your nearness, even in the darkness. I trust in Your faithfulness and Your love for me. I pray for Your divine protection, Your guidance, and Your strength. I ask for Your peace and Your assurance that You are with me, always.
In Your name, I pray, Amen.
by LottCarey | Mar 27, 2024 | Lent 2024
The story of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, is one of the most tragic and sobering episodes in the Bible. Judas, who had followed Jesus for three years, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and shared His fellowship, betrayed Him to the Jewish authorities for thirty pieces of silver. He then led a mob of soldiers and officials to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus with a kiss. This act of treachery set in motion the events that led to Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Why did Judas do it? What motivated him to turn against his Master and friend? The Bible does not give us a clear answer, but it does offer some clues. Judas was a thief, who used to steal from the money bag that he kept for the group (John 12:6). He was a hypocrite, who pretended to care for the poor, but was really greedy and selfish (John 12:4-6). He was influenced by Satan, who entered into him and prompted him to betray Jesus (John 13:27). Judas may have been disillusioned with Jesus, who did not meet his expectations of a political Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel (Luke 22:3-6).
Whatever the reasons, Judas made a terrible choice that had devastating consequences. He betrayed the Son of God, who loved him and died for him. He betrayed his fellow disciples, who trusted him and considered him a brother. He betrayed himself, by losing his integrity, dignity, and salvation. He felt so remorseful and hopeless that he hanged himself, ending his miserable life (Matthew 27:3-5).
The betrayal of Judas is a stark reminder of the human capacity for betrayal and the importance of discerning the true nature of one’s commitments. Judas was not a true disciple of Jesus, but a false one. He did not love Jesus, but loved money more. He did not obey Jesus, but followed his own agenda. He did not serve Jesus, but served the enemy. He did not remain faithful to Jesus, but abandoned Him at the most critical moment.
We can learn from Judas’ example and avoid making the same mistake. We can examine our hearts and motives, and make sure that we are truly committed to Jesus, not to anything or anyone else. We can love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and not let anything or anyone take His place. We can obey Jesus’ commands and follow His will, not our own. We can serve Jesus with all our gifts and resources, and not waste them on selfish pursuits. We can remain faithful to Jesus until the end, and not forsake Him when trials and temptations come.
The betrayal of Judas underscores the gravity of our choices and the consequences of aligning ourselves with or against the will of God. Judas chose to reject Jesus, and he faced eternal condemnation. He chose to side with the enemies of God, and he became an enemy himself. He chose to exchange the priceless treasure of Jesus for the worthless trinkets of this world, and he lost everything.
We can choose differently. We can choose to accept Jesus, and receive eternal life. We can choose to side with the friends of God, and become God’s children. We can choose to value the precious gift of Jesus above all else, and gain everything.
The choice is ours. Let us choose wisely. Let us choose Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
We come to You today with heavy hearts, as we remember the painful betrayal of Judas, who sold out Your Son for a few coins. We are saddened and shocked by his actions, and we wonder how he could do such a thing.
Lord, we confess that we too have betrayed You in different ways. We have been unfaithful, dishonest, selfish, and rebellious. We have loved the world more than You. We have followed our own desires more than Your will. We have served ourselves more than You. We have forsaken You when You needed us most.
Forgive us, Lord, for our sins. Cleanse us, Lord, from our guilt. Restore us, Lord, to Your grace. Help us, Lord, to learn from Judas’ mistake, and to avoid repeating it.
Lord, we thank You for Your love, that is stronger than any betrayal. We thank You for Your mercy, that is greater than any sin. We thank You for Your grace, that is sufficient for any weakness. We thank You for Your Son, who died for us, even though we betrayed Him.
Lord, we ask You to fill us with Your Spirit, that we may love You with all our being. We ask You to guide us with Your Word, that we may obey You in all our actions. We ask You to empower us with Your gifts, that we may serve You with all our abilities. We ask You to sustain us with Your faithfulness, that we may follow You until the end.
Lord, we choose You today, and every day. We choose life over death, light over darkness, truth over lies, peace over strife, joy over sorrow, hope over despair, and love over hate. We choose You, Lord, because You are the best choice we can ever make.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
by LottCarey | Mar 26, 2024 | Lent 2024
Holy Tuesday, the third day of Holy Week, is a day of profound reflection on the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It’s a time to ponder the depth of His teachings, the clarity of His mission, and the cost of following Him.
On Holy Tuesday, Jesus’ teachings in the Temple and His confrontation with the religious leaders serve as a powerful reminder of His authority and the urgency of His message. The leaders’ attempts to trap Jesus with questions about His authority and allegiance, as described in Mark 11:28 and following, highlight the tension between truth and hypocrisy, grace and self-righteousness. Jesus’ responses, particularly His parabolic stories, challenge us to see beyond the surface and recognize the truth of His teachings. They invite us to consider our own allegiance and the authority we place in our lives.
Moreover, the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ own disciples, is a stark reminder of the human capacity for betrayal and the importance of discerning the true nature of one’s commitments. This act of betrayal, for thirty pieces of silver, underscores the gravity of our choices and the consequences of aligning ourselves with or against the will of God.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21 and Mark 8:34 call us to a profound examination of our hearts and lives. They challenge us to not just claim Him as our Lord but to live in a way that reflects His teachings and aligns with His will. These words are not just words; they are a call to action, a call to live a life that is authentically Christian, marked by repentance, trust in God’s grace, and obedience to His commands.
In the face of the challenges and temptations of life, Jesus’ teachings and actions on Holy Tuesday serve as a beacon of hope and a guide for our journey. They invite us to reflect on our own lives, to examine our hearts, and to discern where our true allegiance lies. They call us to follow Him, to deny ourselves, and to take up our cross, just as He did.
Let us be inspired to live lives that are not just about claiming Jesus as our Lord but about embodying His teachings in our daily lives. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects His grace, His truth, and His love, not just in word but in deed. And as we do so, may we find the strength and the courage to follow Him, to deny ourselves, and to take up our cross, just as He did.
On Holy Tuesday, let us remember the lessons of Jesus’ final week, let us reflect on our own lives, and let us commit ourselves anew to following Him, to living in obedience to His will, and to spreading His love and grace in the world.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. You came to reveal the Father’s love and to confront the powers of darkness. You spoke the truth with grace and authority, and You exposed the hypocrisy and self-righteousness of the religious leaders. You also warned us of the danger of betrayal and the cost of discipleship. You called us to repent, to believe, and to follow You. Lord, we confess that we often fall short of Your standards. We sometimes compromise the truth to avoid confrontation or betray You in our actions. We ask for Your forgiveness and Your mercy. We also ask for Your wisdom and Your courage. Help us to speak the truth in love, to confront injustice and evil, and to remain faithful to You in all circumstances. Help us to follow Your example, to take up our cross, and to live for Your glory. Amen.
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