Divine Mercy Sunday - 28-April-2019

Divine Mercy Sunday originated when Our Lord appeared to Saint Faustina, a humble, Polish sister. 

Jesus told Sister Faustina of his great desire to have a Feast of Mercy established on the first Sunday after Easter.  He also instructed that the Feast be preceded by a Divine Mercy Novena that begins on Good Friday and ends the day before Divine Mercy Sunday.

During one of the visions, Jesus asked Sister Faustina to “Paint an image according to the pattern you see with the signature: Jesus, I Trust in You.  I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.

In the Divine Mercy image, Jesus is portrayed with one hand outstretched blessing the world, while his other hand rests on the side wounded by the soldier’s spear.  From the wound in his side stream blood (red rays) and water (blue rays). 

When the first image was painted, Sister Faustina cried because the image was not as beautiful as the Jesus who appeared to her.  Jesus comforted her by saying,

“Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush is the greatness of his image, but in My grace.”

Jesus told Saint Faustina that any person who goes to confession (as close as possible to Divine Mercy Sunday) and receives Holy Communion, will obtain forgiveness of ALL sins and the punishment that goes along with them.

In June 2002, Pope John Paul II granted indulgences to those who recite an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.  It is also recommended that a prayer such as, “Jesus, I Trust in You,” be added to the usual recommended prayers.

Divine Mercy is not supposed to be reserved for Divine Mercy Sunday only.  When Our Lord appeared to Sister Faustina, he told her that 3 pm should be designated as the hour of mercy.  It is traditionally held as the hour in which Jesus died on the Cross. 

Jesus told Sister Faustina: “As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it, invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners, for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul.”

Divine Mercy Sunday is not just about God’s mercy towards us, but about the mercy we show towards others as well.  We are all in need of God’s love and mercy but then we are called to give the love and mercy we receive to others.

Credits:

https://mycatholickids.com/

St. Mark the Evangelist Feast Day - 25-April

Today is the feast of St. Mark, evangelist.

St. Mark, the author of the second Gospel, was the son of Mary whose house at Jerusalem referred to as "the upper room" was the meeting place of Christians.

Peter encountered Mark and took him as travel companion and interpreter.  There at the request of the faithful he wrote his Gospel about the year 50 A.D. His Gospel is a record of St. Peter's preaching about Our Lord.

The Gospel of St. Mark, the shortest of the four, is, above all, a Roman Gospel. The Gospel was written for Roman Gentile converts. It rarely quotes the Old Testament, and is careful to explain Jewish customs, rites and words. It excels in portraying the emotions and affections of both Christ and His hearers.

When Mark returned to Alexandria, the idolators of the city resented his efforts to turn the Alexandrians away from the worship of their traditional gods. In AD 68 they placed a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets until he was dead. His relics were kept in Egypt until they were transferred to Venice where they are venerated till this day.

The Evangelist Mark is represented as a lion with wings because he begins his Gospel in the wilderness, `The voice of one crying in the desert: Make ready the way of the Lord,' or because he presents the Lord as the unconquered King.

Resurrection Sunday, April 21, 2019

Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.

Today is the Feast of Feasts in the Catholic Church! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Throughout the entire Easter Season, the Angelus prayer that is offered, when possible, at the ringing of the Angelus bells, is replaced by the joyous Regina Coeli. Because eggs symbolize new life and they are special because they were once forbidden during Lent, Christians make great use of them on this day, eating them and decorating them.

Scripture ...
Luke 24:13-40

Reflections ...

The two Emmaus disciples are walking on the road when they meet Jesus whom they do not recognize.  Jesus skillfully played along with the conversation, encouraging these men to reveal their hearts. Jesus longs for us to tell Him what is going on in our hearts. 

The report of the empty tomb by the women as well as Peter and John didn’t convince them because they were not there.  Jesus wanted to know from them what He wants to know from us today: can we believe without seeing with our own eyes?

Jesus can be walking right beside you today but your eyes may be restrained from seeing Him.  Let us pray that God will open our eyes and witness Jesus spending his time with us. Burning our hearts with his spiritual words.

Jesus then appears to the remaining disciples too and says, “Peace to you!” But the disciples are gripped with fear. He immediately invites them to touch His flesh and bones so they can be convinced He is no ghost or spirit. He adds visual proof by eating a piece of broiled fish.

The disciples were completely convinced that Jesus rose from the dead, but they had a hard time accepting it because it seemed too good to be true.  These are the true witnesses He sent out into the world. Through these weeks of Lent we have read their eyewitness testimony. May Christ’s forgiveness, peace and eternal joy be yours until we see Him with our own eyes and touch Him with our own hands in Paradise.

Prayer ...
Jesus thank you for your disciples and for their testimonies.  Strengthen our faith through their words.  Help me to be Your witness through my good deeds and actions that I may also be able to profess your faith. Amen.

Hymn...

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 24 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGuIJHRwoLk

Conclusion - Thank you

I hope you enjoyed journeying through the Biblical road through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ which has helped to make your Easter a joyful one. Congratulations on completing this Lenten journey with me.

Feel free to “Add a Comment” at the bottom of the blog giving me your feedback on this experience.

Happy Easter and A Big God Bless !!!

Yours truly,

Sabrina Demelo

Holy Saturday, April 20, 2019

Life: the time God gives you to determine how you spend eternity.

On Holy Saturday the Church waits at the Lord's tomb, meditating on his suffering and death. The altar is left bare, and the sacrifice of the Mass is not celebrated. Only after the solemn vigil during the night, held in anticipation of the resurrection, does the Easter celebration begin, with a spirit of joy that overflows into the following period of fifty days. Although we are still in mourning, there is much preparation during this day to prepare for Easter. Out of the kitchen comes the smells of Easter pastries and bread, the lamb or hams and of course, the Easter eggs. It is during the night between Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday that the Easter Vigil is celebrated.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:48-56

Reflections ...

The crowd returns, some of them awed by the majesty of that awful death. Jesus’ faithful followers stand at a distance, with aching hearts and tears. Jesus’ body will soon be cast into a common grave along with the two criminals. They stand helpless to stop it, clueless what to do.

Then an amazing sight meets their eyes. One of the prominent rulers of the Jewish high court steps up to the centurion in charge of the crucifixions. He carries orders from Pilate giving him custody of Jesus’ body. As the women follow, Joseph removes Him from the cross, wraps His body in a linen shroud with spices, and lays Him in a new tomb.

This Joseph is a prominent member of the Jewish high court, a good and righteous man who had not consented to their plan to condemn and crucify Jesus. Formerly, he had been a secret disciple of Jesus; now he takes courage to openly display his loyalty.

Oh, the tender care of our loving Heavenly Father! At Jesus’ birth, God the Father provided a Joseph to wrap His infant body in swaddling bands and lay Him in a manger. In His death God provides another Joseph to wrap His body in linen and lay it to rest in a new tomb.

The women follow behind so they can note where Jesus is laid. Then they return home to prepare spices and ointments to give the body a more proper burial after the Sabbath ends.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, thank You for the faithful men and women who came forward at Your crucifixion and death—the repentant criminal, the centurion, Joseph, and the believing women. Give me courage and loyalty to come forward and honor You through the days of my life, until I rest in Your Paradise. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Today let us share our condolences with the Mother of Christ by offering her an extra prayer during your free time.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY

Good Friday, April 19, 2019

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:  1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given. 

Good Friday is the most somber day of the entire year. A silence pervades, socializing is kept to a minimum, things are done quietly; it is a day of mourning; it is a funeral. Traditional Catholics wear black, cover their mirrors, extinguish candles and any lamps burning before icons, keep amusements and distractions down, and go about the day in great solemnity.

Because Jesus was on the Cross between the hours of Noon and 3:00 PM, these three hours today are considered the most sacred of all. A devotion by praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary etc. can be said.  At 3:00, "The Hour" He died, the atmosphere should be as if you are standing next to the deathbed of a loved one.

Though a somber atmosphere will last until the Easter Vigil, after "The Hour" (3:00 PM) passes, it eases a bit, and life can go back to a "somber normal." The phone can be put back on the hook, etc., but music shouldn't be played, raucous games should be eliminated, etc., while Christ is "in His Tomb" -- i.e., until after Vigil of Holy Saturday when Eastertide officially begins.

The altar is completely bare, with no cloths, candles nor cross. The service is divided into three parts: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion. The priest and deacons wear red or black vestments. The liturgy starts with the priests and deacons going to the altar in silence and prostrating themselves for a few moments in silent prayer, then an introductory prayer is prayed.  Although throughout Lent we have tried to mortify ourselves, it is appropriate to try some practicing extra mortifications today. Divine Mercy Novena begins today.

As to foods, Hot Cross Buns are traditionally eaten for breakfast on this day, and are about the only luxury afforded in this time of mourning. It is customary, because of the Cross on the buns, to kiss them before eating, and to share one of these Hot Cross Buns with someone, reciting these words:

“Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be.”

Scripture ...
Luke 23:44-49

Reflections ...

An unnatural darkness fell upon the land from noon to three in the afternoon. Luke explains, “The sun’s light failed” (Luke 23:45a). This profound darkness marked the judgment of mankind’s sins, the bitter darkness of hell. At Jesus’ death at the end of those three hours, the curtain of the temple was torn in two: a powerful sign for the Jewish rulers. Throughout the Old Testament this curtain symbolized the separation sin had caused between God and humanity. In Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, that boundary of sin is completely removed, and we have direct access to God through Jesus (see Hebrews 9:11-12).

With His Heavenly Father’s anger stilled, our salvation secured, and His work completed, Jesus cries out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” and He breathes His last. The centurion, seeing how Jesus suffered and died, and the signs that accompanied His death (see Matthew 27:51-53), praises God, and proclaims Jesus’ innocence. Clearly, Jesus was no criminal, and He didn’t deserve to be executed with them.

Luke next points us to the crowds standing nearby. Having seen the darkness and the other signs accompanying Jesus’ death, they return home beating their breasts. This Jewish sign of regret and sorrow shows they knew a guiltless man had been put to death. They cease to be spectators and become repentant Jews, ripe for Peter’s wondrous sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-24).  Finally, at a distance, stand some of Jesus’ acquaintances and faithful women who had followed Him from Galilee. In the coming days they will play an important role in our story.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, the miracles that accompanied Your death proved that You are indeed the Son of God, Savior of the world. Strengthen my faith that I may always trust in Your all-sufficient ransom for my sins. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Don't underestimate the power of your prayers. If that's all you've got to give today, I can tell you, it's more than enough.. 

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2018

God is like..Asprin: He works miracles.

The last three days of Holy Week are referred to as the Sacred Triduum. Holy Thursday is also known as "Maundy Thursday." The word Maundy comes from the word mandatum (commandment). There are only two Masses allowed on Holy Thursday -- the Chrism Mass and the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper. In the Chrism mass, the holy oils to be used throughout the diocese for the following year in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Sacrament of the Sick are blessed by the bishop at this Mass. This Mass also celebrates the institution of the priesthood. During the evening of Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord's Supper is celebrated. It is celebrated in the evening because the Passover began at sundown. There is only one Mass, at which the whole community and priests of the parish participate. This is a very joyful Mass, as we recall the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. The priests wear white vestments, the altar is filled with flowers, the Gloria is sung and the bells are rung (they are rung no more until the Easter Vigil … a wooden clapper called a "crotalus" is used instead).. The Liturgy of the Mass recalls the Passover, the Last Supper, which includes the Washing of the Feet. After the Communion Prayer, there is no final blessing. The Holy Eucharist is carried in procession through Church and then transferred into a place of reposition, usually a side chapel. After the Mass, we recall the Agony in the Garden, and the arrest and imprisonment of Jesus. The altar is stripped bare, crosses are removed or covered. The Eucharist has been placed in an altar of repose, and most churches are open for silent adoration, to answer Christ's invitation "Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?" After mid-night on Holy Thursday, the adoration should conclude without solemnity, since the day of the Lord's Passion has already begun.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:39-43

Reflections ...

From every direction Jesus hears mockery and ridicule. Even the criminals hanging on either side join in with the Jewish rulers and Roman soldiers (see Matthew 27:44).

But after a while one falls silent. When the other criminal takes up his taunt again, the first speaks out, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds” (Luke 23:40b-41a). Clearly, he has been thinking back over his life, considering the deeds that led to this torturous end, and of the fearful judgment that soon awaits.

Then he jumps to Jesus’ defense, revealing the faith that now fills his heart: “But this Man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41b). With firm confidence and faith that Jesus truly is the King of the Jews, the Chosen One, the promised Christ, he turns to Him and prays, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

This night we honor our crucified Lord by gathering in His house and rehearsing His Last Supper with His disciples. Like the criminal, we will confess our sins and ask Jesus to remember us when He comes into His kingdom. And through Holy Communion He will give us His body nailed to the cross and His blood poured out for us. We will remember His suffering and death as we eat His body given for us, and drink His blood shed for the remission of all our sins. And like the criminal, we will hear the dying Savior assure us, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, remember us when You come into Your kingdom as this night we remember Your great sacrifice of Your body and blood on the cross for us. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Today is Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. It was a simple act that said so much about service, humility, love and much more besides. So in the spirit of that, prepare to get wet.  Keep it simple: offer to do the washing up or wash the windows, or do something around the house that you might not normally have done for someone else..

Hymn ...



Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY

Holy Wednesday, April 17, 2019

People ignore God and then blame him for the chaos that results.

Holy Wednesday is known as Spy Wednesday because on this day Judas made a bargain with the high priest to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces.  After Jesus's arrest, Judas returned to the chief priests and threw the thirty pieces of silver at them, repenting of his deed. The priests consider it blood money, so they refused to put it in the Temple's coffers. They instead bought a potter's field -- the "field of blood" -- to be used for burying strangers. Judas went and hanged himself, and his body burst open like the potter's vessel that Jeremiah spoke of as a symbol of faithless Israel.

Legend says that the tree upon which Judas hanged himself was the Cercis siliquastrum -- a tree that is now known as the "Judas Tree." It is a beautiful tree, native to the Mediterranean region, with brilliant deep pink flowers in the spring -- flowers that are said to have blushed in shame after Judas's suicide.

This is also the day that Jesus was anointed with an expensive jar of alabaster by the woman at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:36-38

Reflections ...

The Roman Empire used crucifixion as a powerful warning and deterrent to crime. So an inscription was written to identify the criminal and the crime for which he or she was dying. Jesus’ inscription read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (see Matthew 27:37).

This was the mocking theme the Roman soldiers had picked up during Jesus’ trial before Pilate. When they scourged Him, they wove a crown out of thorns and put it on His head. They put a purple robe over His torn shoulders, and a reed as His royal scepter. They knelt before Him, then snatched the reed from His hand and beat Him over the head with it (see Matthew 27:27-31).

Now, at the cross, they pick up the theme again. Knowing He is suffering from agonizing thirst, they come up and offer Him sour wine—knowing full well He cannot reach it with His hands and feet nailed to the cross. Then they take up the chant of the Jewish rulers and add their own little twist: “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”

But they don’t understand true kingship. They assume a king rules for his own welfare and benefit. But a true King rules for the benefit of His subjects—even if that means sacrificing His life to save theirs. It’s what a true King does for His people.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, my King and my Lord. Thank You for sacrificing Yourself for the benefit of all of us, Your subjects. In Your goodness and love, rule over all my life. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
The woman used costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet.  What is valuable in your life today? Time? Money? Relationships?  How can you use these things to honor Jesus?

Hymn ... 

Quiz ... 

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY

Holy Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Questioning God? He made the brain cells you think with.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:35

Reflections ...

Luke shows us two groups of Jews who have gathered around the cross—the people and the rulers. The Jewish people stand by curiously watching the gruesome spectacle. Luke lets them fade into the background as he turns our attention to the Jewish rulers.

The second group, the rulers, includes the entire Jewish court. During their trials they had thrown all honor, integrity, dignity and decorum to the wind as they called for false witnesses against Jesus (see Matthew 26:59), personally abused and tormented Him (see Matthew 26:66-68). Then they hounded Him to Pilate’s court, over to Herod’s court, and back to Pilate again. They had stirred up the crowds to demand Jesus’ crucifixion, and when Pilate surrendered Him to their desires, they had gleefully followed His procession to this place to celebrate their victory.

Now at the place of execution they put on an air of superiority, and scoff at Him. They play on His Name, Jesus, which means “The Lord saves.” Speaking of Jesus’ many healing miracles, they mock, “He saved others, let Him save Himself, if He is the Christ of God, His Chosen One!”

They mistake Jesus’ choice not to save Himself as proof that He cannot save Himself. But Jesus is not here to save Himself: He is here to save each of us—and these Jewish rulers as well. To do that He must remain on the cross until every last sin is paid and God’s justice is completely satisfied. His death is their only hope of salvation—and ours.

Prayer ... 
Lord Jesus, You endured mockery and shame to save me and all people. Let me gladly bear mockery and shame for Your Name. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Revisit one of the sacrifices you really enjoyed, or one of the sacrifices you were looking forward to doing but had a really busy day.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY

Holy Monday, April 15, 2019

Suffering Truth Decay?  Brush up on your Bible!

Today the liturgy presents two noteworthy characters who play dissimilar roles in the Lord's passion. One fills us with solace and comfort; the other with uneasiness and wholesome fear. Their juxtaposition produces a powerful effect by way of contrast. The two characters are Mary Magdalene of Bethany and Judas. In everyone's heart, there dwell two souls: a Judas-soul and a Mary-soul. The former is the cause of Jesus' suffering, it is always ready to apostatize, always ready to give the traitor's kiss. Your Magdalen-soul is a source of comfort to Christ in His sufferings. May the holy season of Lent, which with God's help we are about to bring to a successful conclusion, bring victory over the Judas-soul and strengthen the Magdalen-soul within our breasts.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:32-34

Reflections ...

In a procession with two condemned criminals, Jesus is led to the place of execution. The locals know it as “The Skull” (see Luke 23:33)—possibly because of its shape, possibly because it is the grisly place of execution and death.

And right away Jesus utters His first words from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Of all the people who should be pleading for forgiveness—Judas, the high priest, Pontius Pilate, his soldiers—the one who asks on their behalf is Jesus, the sinless Son of God.

How amazing that even in this hour where His agony reaches its climax Jesus doesn’t turn inside Himself. He could pray for justice—for vindication—for punishment on those who have done this to Him. Instead, He pleads with His Father to forgive them.

Jesus’ prayer is not restricted to Pontius Pilate and the Roman soldiers who abused and nailed Him to the cross, nor to the Jewish high priest and high court, or even to Judas, Peter and the other disciples, who abandoned Him. He prays for you and me, for all people of all time whose sins He has carried to this dismal place.

Prayer ... 
Lord Jesus, break through our ignorance and give us knowledge of our sin. That we may repent of that sin and receive full and free forgiveness for Your sake. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …

Today try and live a very simple life, simple clothes, simple food, simple living. 

Prayer while taking a step to simplify : Patient God, thank you for always giving me the grace to be simple and to live more as a disciple of Jesus. Amen.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY

Palm Sunday, April 14, 2019

Need a new life?  God accepts trade-ins.

The sixth and last Sunday of Lent marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week.  Go to mass and get a palm. Put it on your bedroom wall to remind you of Jesus.

The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday following Palm Sunday are another traditional time of cleaning. Just as the house is cleaned during Advent in preparation for Christmas, and just as Shrovetide is spent cleaning in preparation for Lent, these days are spent in preparation of the greatest Feast of the Church year: the Feast of Easter. By Wednesday night, the house should be spotless so that the days of the Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) can be devoted to Christ's Passion.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:26-31

Reflections ...

Today is Palm Sunday. We remember the great crowds of Jewish pilgrims who filled the streets of Jerusalem and cheered Jesus as their victorious King. Now, barely five days later, they line the streets to jeer and heckle Him on His way to execution.

Jesus is too weak and weary to carry the crossbeam to the place of execution. He tries with all His might, but keeps falling beneath it. The flogging and the beatings have taken their toll. Finally, the Roman soldiers enlist a man named Simon to carry it for Him.

But not everyone in the crowd taunts Jesus. Many still believe in Him, and are greatly perplexed and grief-stricken to see Him going to His death. In shock and horror they mourn and lament for Him.

Jesus could have joined them in self-pity, but instead He turns aside their weeping and lamenting. He warns of the future when they and their children will suffer at the hands of the Romans because the Jewish leaders will not humble themselves, confess their sins, and believe He is their Savior.

As we enter this Holy Week and remember Jesus’ sufferings and passion, He doesn’t want us weeping for Him. He wants us to weep for ourselves—for our sins—just as Peter did when the rooster crowed, and he saw Jesus’ face. We are to weep for our sins that deserve God’s judgment, then look in faith to Jesus’ cross where that payment was made in full. There we see God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You carried my sins to that place of execution, a load I could never carry. At the foot of Your cross help me see my sin rightly, and turn from it in bitter tears, that I may find in You full forgiveness and peace. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …

Saying “I Love You Jesus” outside of a prayer, infact repeat it on the hour, yes you can even put an alarm for every hour during the day as a reminder to say the words.  Imagine the joy on Jesus’ face when he will be remembered lovingly every hour today.

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY