Into Your Hands
Palm Sunday
I begin today’s reflection with a confession. I really don’t like Palm Sunday. Of all of the Sundays in the year, this is the one that, if I allowed myself to skip it, I would. This year that decision was taken out of my hands, and yet the weight of Palm Sunday overwhelms me.
Reflect with me today on a prayer I have written as I imagine it to be, from the heart of Jesus to the heart of his Father.
Father, I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to go back to Jerusalem. They have been plotting against me and have tried to kill me already. If I go back there, I will die. I am afraid. I love you, Father; I feel your Love in me. I am frightened. Father, I know you are with me and that you will walk every step with me, I place my trust in you. But still, I fear. Father, into your hands, I commend my fear.
Father, I pray it has been enough. You know everything, you know I have tried to do Your will. But was it enough? Do they understand enough that this end will not be the end of the covenant you want with them? Even until now, I think they know, and then, they are lost again in their bewilderment. Father, when I am no longer with them, will they have the strength and love to carry on? They will be afraid, too; they will know the fear I know. Wrap them in the confidence of your Love. Father, into your hands I commend my friends, those I have loved and taught your ways, those who must go on.
Father, I know you are with me now as you have always been with me. I am abandoned by the ones I have tried to help. So soon they forget. The crowds have turned on me. Today, they hail me a King, but within days they will cry out for my death. Heal the disappointment and hurt in my heart, don’t allow it to become anger or resentment. Father, into your hands, I commend my broken heart.
Father, there is a woman you chose, I worry for her. She will know more suffering than anyone should bear. You chose her, and you chose well. I thank you, Father, for the Mother and Father you gave me to guide my young life. They did as you asked. They have lived their Love for you and for me. Give my mother strength to walk these days with me, as she has walked every other day of my life, with a mother’s Love. Father, into your hands, I commend my Mother.
Father, I am afraid. Sadness overwhelms me. Guide me, give me the strength to follow your will up to the end. May Your will be done in me. Allow Your Love for me and my Love for them, to carry me to that final moment when it is finished, and I am dead. Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.
Amen, Amen, Amen
May God Bless and be with you as you walk with our Lord through Holy Week.
beautifully written and so relatable to what is happening with the Corona virus..so difficult not to let fear overwhelm our faith..thank you and God bless you
Your reflections are so wonderful and meaningful and are so needed in this very difficult time. It seems like when we need Church the most, we cannot go. These frequent reflections really help.
I thought that there would Easter Vigil and of course on Easter Sunday. I have not seen any information regarding the times and details. If this is going to take place, could you post it on the website. Thank you for all that you do and what you say to keep us centered during all of this.
Suzanne,
Thank you for your support and kind words. I will post the times for the Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday masses/services tomorrow. I want to make sure I am correct about the times before I post. You will be able to access the services on the website, on Facebook or through Utube. We will include all the information you need to connect. Please know you are being remembered in prayer.
Blessings to you,
Gwen