Paschal

 The Spiritual Waiting Room

Paschal

Eternal     Life

Suffering     Dying     Resurrecting

The History of Salvation

Mystery

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  Isaiah 50: 4 to 7

The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might be able to speak to the discouraged a word that will lift them. Morning after morning He opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not refused, have not turned away.

I gave my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who grabbed my beard.

My face I did not turn away from those who struck me and spat at me.

The Lord God supports me, therefore I am not disgraced.

I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be embarrassed.

Reflection

Jesus comes to lift us up as the Prophet Isaiah indicates. As we enter into Holy Week, we reflect on what Jesus tries to accomplish.

Isaiah wrote many years before the ministry of Jesus but he indicates the path that Jesus will embrace.

Jesus is listening to the Father. "Morning after morning" Jesus speaks with the Father in prayer. We will see on Holy Thursday night that Jesus has a long conversation with the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is so long that three of the apostles fall asleep while Jesus is in prayer.

Jesus does not refuse His Mission from the Father. He does not turn away from letting the people know about the Kingdom of God.

It would have been easier to be quiet and to avoid any confrontation with the authorities. He could have spent time away from Jerusalem where he would not be noticed.

He was faithful. That sense of mission, that willingness to serve, that commitment to the words He was asked to share led to His suffering.

He was struck.

He was spat upon.

He did not turn away.

He was not embarrassed because He did what He was called to do: to heal those whose hearts were broken, to proclaim freedom to those who were in slavery to their own selfishness and vision, to lead us all on a path of Love.

Kathy's photo is from St. Francis Xavier Church in New York City. It depicts the cross---the symbol of suffering. It is, however, a cross surrounded by Light.

Darkness has been overcome.

We walk during Holy Week on a path that is lit by Love.  

1. What does Holy Week mean for you?

2. How does prayer sustain Jesus as He enters into His Passion?

3. What does Kathy's photo say to you?