3 days left on my Lenten Journey? How is that possible? *FYI, I was "called out" by a stranger saying "there are only 40 Days in Lent". Well, DUH. this year, however, is longer! this Lent goes 44 days. (so there)! *
today,
while the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday) is
technically 44 days - See more at:
http://www.uscatholic.org/node/425#sthash.WQC0ozRx.dpuf
today,
while the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday) is
technically 44 days - See more at:
http://www.uscatholic.org/node/425#sthash.WQC0ozRx.dpuf
But today is Maundy Thursday ! Going and looking at all my Israel pictures make me wish I could be in Jerusalem for the next 4 days! I can only imagine all the pilgrims lining the streets! Or be in Rome at St. Peter's Square! With throngs of people waiting to hear from the Pope these next few days. But, I am here--in Hoover, Alabama and instead I look , not at the busy Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem or the throngs of people in St. Peter's, but gaze outside at the , still darkness, towards our little lake. The sun still hasn't come up, and it's still dark. When the sun does come out, it will be just me and the lake. Me and God. Just like it's always been. For being a pilgrim is a solitary thing. Sure, you can walk with other pilgrims on the journey. But, in the end, it's just you and Him. Me and Him. And, at the end of the journey, (the end, being the end of life), again, it's only the two: me and Him. (and in your case: YOU and HIM).....Maundy Thursday a definition from the internet (sorry but the easiest to explain) :
"Maundy Thursday is observed during Holy Week on the Thursday before Easter. Also referred to as "Holy Thursday" or "Great Thursday" in some Christian denominations, commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. In contrast to joyful Easter celebrations when Christians celebrate their resurrected Savior, Maundy Thursday services are typically more solemn occasions, marked by the shadow of Jesus' betrayal.
While different denominations observe Maundy Thursday in their own distinct ways, two important biblical events are the primary focus of Maundy Thursday solemnizations:
Before the Passover Meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. By performing this lowly act of service, the Bible says in John 13:1 that Jesus "showed them the full extent of His love. By his example, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service.
For this reason, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday services.
During the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and asked his Father to bless it. He broke the bread into pieces, giving it to his disciples and said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
What Does "Maundy" Mean?
Derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment," Maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper to love with humility by serving one another and to remember his sacrifice.
Having walked this Lenten Journey, I have pulled you into my life/my vision/my travels. You've seen a part of me. (Note: A PART of me. and I but my best self forward here, of course!). But, there are so many parts of me. Parts revealed that are good and parts (& sadly, some not so good) and parts unseen. Parts of joy that I love to share. But also parts of worry/hurt/sadness that are only mine to keep hidden (except from Him. He sees them whether I share them or not). And I'm sure you are the same way. Yes, many things are there. How I deal with them is sometimes I DON'T, I hide my head in the sand, but other times, most times, held to my heart and try to even hide them from God for I am ashamed. Thankfully, most are lifted to God and requests to help me deal with those issues. Sometimes I do this while lying in bed before I get up.Sometimes in shower as the hot water pulsates over me---almost like a purging.Other times face down on the floor in my bedroom---my most vulnerable position----obviously, when I am alone and when I can truly bow before Him. But, during the day also the short "arrow" prayers. A quick "thank You!" or a "please, God, help!" goes up. Some days it feels like one big prayer. One big open wound that needs to be bandaged by our Great Physician. And the worst? Other days that I simply forget to pray. FORGET? Yes, some days, when things are going like clockwork, I'm all THAT--I feel so proud and happy that things are going well and I forget it's not about how I got things right--it's selfish. I get caught in the moment and just go through life. Those are the days it is "all about me". I am embarrassed at those days when I think back. So many of them. Those days when I act like a 3 year old (sorry, Ella Kate! LOL! Katie told me yesterday "Ella Kate has been so demanding and rude! "Feed me!" or "give me a banana!"). I was reminded I do the same to God some days "help me!" or "take care of this!" (at least I do say "PLEASE"! ). Or even worse than that, those days when I think I have taken care of it all.
On this special day, Maundy Thursday, we are all reminded of His great love. Taking the role of the servant--washing His disciples feet. Humbling Himself. As I go through today, I will be thinking on these things. Instead of being a demanding 3 year old today, I will, instead, try to be a more thankful
"60 something year old" (not telling you EXACTLY how OLD I am lol)! Sounds easy, but for me,sometimes not at all. Sometimes I become , not only selfish for me, but for all my children. I put THEM on the throne as well. That also is wrong. My children/grandchildren are not perfect as I am not perfect. Yes, I will give my life for them. yes, no greater love do I have than for them. Except my love for God. And , when those days come, when I toot the horn of JLPF or my children/grandchildren, I hope I am reminded there is only one who can sit upon the throne that i love to inhabit or put my family on. And the only One worthy of that seat is :Christ the King.
#journeyiscomingtoanend #servanthoodrevealed #Christtherolemodel #canIdoless #whydoIstrugglesohard #MaundyThursday #theLastSupper #ChristtheKingsitsonthethroneonly
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