Reflection: The Seven Last Words of Christ

"Jesus, remember me, when You come into Your Kingdom." Luke 23:42

"He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, One of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem. Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, While we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed." Isaiah 53:3-5

Last Monday, the first day of Holy Week, the world watched in horror as fire engulfed the Cathedral of Notre Dame in France and the spire toppled. When the fire was extinguished, in the midst of the rubble, the image of the Cross remained above the statue of the Pieta, Our Lady holding the Body of Jesus. Jesus poured out His Love for us on the Cross. No matter when we go through in this life, Jesus and Mary are always with us. His Love endures forever.

The Seven Last Words of Christ
"I thirst." John 19:28
"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
"Amen I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43
"Father, into Your hands, I commend My Spirit." Luke 23:46
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Mark 15:34
"It is finished." John 19:30
"Women, behold your Son...Behold your mother." John 19:26-27

Reflection: I AM

So Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The One who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone because I always do what is pleasing to Him." John 8:28-29

Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees. They did not understand what He was saying. He was telling them that He is God. but they kept asking Jesus who He was. Jesus always does the Will of the Father and He tells us to do what is pleasing to God. 

How do we do the Will of the Father? Turn away from sin, do good, seek the Father's Will in all our actions. 

How often do we listen? How often do we sit with Him in silence? Silence is how we can hear Him. Through silence in prayer, Jesus teaches us to be patient, to wait and, if He delays in answering, He has a reason. Jesus is teaching us to be faithful and to trust in Him. 

How can we be faithful and trust in Him? Turn to our Blessed Mother Mary. She teaches us the way. She did not understand so many things, but she placed her trust in God. Mary helps us prepare our hearts through prayer, silence, sacrifice and receiving the Sacraments frequently. Mary is the Seat of Wisdom and she teaches us to trust totally in God. She teaches us how to be obedient and to trust in Him even when we do not understand. Mary always leads us to her Beloved Son Jesus.  

Mary said, "Do whatever He tells you." John 2:5  

"When Abram prostrated himself, God spoke to him." Genesis 17:3  When we humble ourselves and come before God like a child, we will hear Him speak. He will speak words of truth and love and we will know His voice.

God replied to Moses, "I AM who I AM. Then He added: This is what you will tell the Israelites, I AM has sent me to you." Exodus 3:14

The Old Testament was fulfilled in the New Testament.  God told Moses to tell the Israelites that He is I AM.  Jesus told the Jews that He is I AM.  The Father and the Son are One.  Jesus came only to do the Will of the Father.

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM." So they picked up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area. John 8:58-59

The people did not believe what Jesus was saying and they did not understand so they wanted to stone Him, but He hid and went away.

Do you believe what Jesus is saying to you? Open your heart and tell Jesus about your doubts, fears, worries and listen as He speaks words of Love to you.

I AM

Reflection: Psalm 23...I need You, Jesus

The troubles of this world can cause distress in the soul. Trusting in God is the key. When your heart and soul ache. turn to the Lord. Only God can restore you. God is always there, in times of trouble, anxiety and distress. He is there when we fall and when we are hurt. God is always there waiting for us.

TRUST ME Author Unknown
Do you believe that I am the Son of God? And do you believe that I died for all men and women and that I rose from the dead? Then why do you continue to be distracted and anxious about your loved ones? Do they not also belong to Me? Would I refuse to work in their lives just as I work in yours? I have not put you in charge of redeeming them. I have already done that. Nor do you have the power to change their hearts; Only my Holy Spirit searches and knows the deepest hearts of men and women and only He can heal their deepest wounds. Your task is to love, to forgive, to pray for them and to turn them over to Me. Come closer to Me yourself and I will do the rest.

Simply cry out: "I need You, Jesus, and I trust in You." Draw close to Jesus, open up your heart and your mind to receive His love and peace.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. In verdant pasture, He makes me lie down; to still waters, He leads me; He restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of His Name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4

Jesus, Comforter and Counselor, come in times of trouble with Your peace in the midst of the storms. Jesus I trust in You and I need You.