Courage

Through much of his ministry on earth Jesus encouraged people not to be afraid, because the Spirit of God was with them to lead them forward.

Can this be my prayer as we proceed through Holy Week—to move away from fear to a real confidence in the Spirit’s loving presence in my life? What does Jesus save me from? More positively, what does he save me for? What are my deepest desires for myself and for my world? And do I wait for the Lord with courage, when courage is called for? 

When a person is approaching the end of their life, there is a quieting that takes place within them and within us who accompany them—a sense of reverence, really, at this life that’s before us, preparing to become one with the source of all life. This quiet reverence permeates the liturgies of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.

Viktor Frankl said, “What is to give light must endure burning.” This week we accompany Jesus on his final walk through Jerusalem, through the fires of hell, as he becomes the light of the world and returns to his heavenly Father to show us the way to the fullness of life that will never end.

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)