Jeremiah 18:18-20, Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16, Matthew 20:17-28

 13th Day in Lent

Nothing pleases me more than when My friends contemplate and meditate on My Passion. Pray the Stations of the Cross during this season and I will bless you bountifully.

Jeremiah 12:3abc
3 But you, Yahweh, you know me and see me;
you search my heart – it is close to you.

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Jeremiah 18:18-20, Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16, Matthew 20:17-28

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Jeremiah 18:18-20

When You raise Your voice to Your Father on our behalf my Beloved it is as our Defender that You do so. You say, "Father forgive them they do not know what they do." From the words of the prophet we see what You suffered at the hands of the religious authorities. You were aware of their plots to take Your life. You are God so nothing was hidden from You and as Man how it must have weighed You down with sorrow. It was not only the anticipation of Your agony that crushed You with grief, but it was the rejection of many who were caught up with the frenzy of the moment and bayed for Your Blood. They knew You were innocent and did not deserve to die yet this did not stop them from clamoring for Your life.  

My Beloved, You have always stood in the breach in our defence and You continue to do so. Thank You Lord.

Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16

My Beloved, did Your heart race when You knew that Your enemies were plotting against You? Did You sweat with anguish when You were alone at prayer with Your Father and You contemplated all that You would have to endure for us? Did the Father enfold You in His all embracing, compassionate and grateful love for what You would do for His adopted children? How absolutely sacred were those moments away human sight. The Father and the Holy Spirit strengthened You in Your resolve and the bonds of love closed ever more securely around You. 

Your filial trust in Your Father was well placed. The Father delivered us from the hand of the enemy by delivering You into his hands thus vanquishing Satan forever and establishing You as the Lord of all that is, that was and is to come.  Thank You my Lord and my God.

Matthew 20:17-28

My Beloved, there was no element of Your Passion that was not known to  You always. You knew everything down to the last excruciating detail. Your concern was for Your disciples, the twelve, You did not want them to be taken by surprise by all that was to take place. As gently and as tenderly as a father You prepared them for what was to come. "But He will be raised to life on the third day." This certainty is what must have grounded You. 

You submitted to the Father's will in all things and even in glory You will not play favorites. It is always the Father's prerogative to do all in accordance with His love and wisdom.

 

We continue to jostle for pride of place even when we serve You. We want to be recognized, appreciated and applauded. There is a real danger of lording it over others when we have authority, position and power this is why You warn us of this vice that could rob us any merit in God's eyes if we live as the ruler of the world.

Verses 26-28 sum it up perfectly. Serving You in our brothers and sisters in humility will always carry with it a reward that is immeasurable and will always pleasing to You.