Walking with Jesus

I read this quote on Franciscan Media, “it should be no surprise that saints, indeed all Christians, will experience the same difficulties as their Master.” The responsorial psalm for today also reminds us that we are not alone in our sufferings. “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.” The Lord has gone before us and suffered the ultimate sacrifice for us and is with us still.

Grand Plans

As Lent was approaching last month, I had grand plans to give up many things, do extra of this and that. I felt confident that this was a year I could offer all of these things to the Lord. And then I stumbled upon a short video of a lady I have come to admire and respect. It was deeply profound and changed the way I will forever view Lent.

In the video clip, she says that yes, we should be fasting, praying, and giving alms. However, we should be doing these things with profound love. Of course, but this next part… We should be “preparing ourselves to usher our spouse Jesus to His death. We are walking with Jesus to the cross. It is our chance to walk with Him.” Read that again, “it is our chance to walk with Him.”

To the Cross

And so, each day this Lent, I have reminded myself that I am walking my Jesus to the Cross. It has made me pause with many decisions; however small they may be. How do they fit in to my walking Him? What choice is the best reflection of someone walking her Savior to His death?

I am willing to bet the adulterous woman in today’s gospel knew how to walk her Jesus to the Cross after her encounter with Him. I pray that you too, will use these last days of Lent to walk Him to His death with love, peace, patience, and humility. And remember when you experience difficulties, it is to be expected. For you were created in His likeness and image.

[Readings: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Jn 8:1-11]