This morning Robert picked us up for Mass and we all sat together in the front pew—Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, and me. Mini behaved very nicely in church and tucked herself down quietly beside us like she understood we were listening to something important.
Father LeRoy spoke in his homily about the meditation for today, which told about the morning when the council of the Jews delivered Jesus to the Roman governor. Father explained that after the terrible night when Jesus was mocked and mistreated, the priests did not rest long. Even before daylight they gathered again because they were determined to see Jesus condemned.
Father said it is surprising how much energy people can spend when they are doing something wrong. Those men lost sleep and hurried through the early morning just to carry out their hatred toward Jesus. Then Father looked out at us and said sometimes we can be the opposite—we grow tired or slow when it comes to doing something good, even something small that God asks of us.
That made me sit up a little straighter in the pew.
Then Father spoke about something even more beautiful. He said that Jesus Himself was waiting for the morning too. But not for the same reason as His enemies. Jesus knew everything that was about to happen, and He willingly accepted it because He wanted to save us.
Father said Jesus greeted the coming dawn like someone welcoming the most important day of His life—the day He would give His life so the whole world could live.
When Father said that, I tried to imagine Jesus sitting quietly through the long night, praying for the very people who were planning His death. It made my heart feel very soft and sad at the same time.
Sister Mary Claire whispered after Mass that Jesus loved us so much that He longed for the day of His sacrifice, because it meant our salvation. Robert said it makes a person want to try a little harder to do small sacrifices during Lent.
I think I understand that a little now. If Jesus was willing to give everything for us, maybe I can give Him small things too—like being patient, helping with chores right away, or saying a prayer when it is easier not to.
When we came home Mini ran through the yard like she had saved up all her energy during Mass. But I kept thinking about Jesus waiting for that dawn long ago, ready to give His whole life because He loved us.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving us so much that You were willing to suffer and give Your life for us. Help me not to be lazy in doing good. Teach me to make small sacrifices with love so I can show You how grateful I am.
Amen.
Love,
Kathy
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