Journey to the Cross

Pause

The shadows are gathering and you are called to come away. Come away to think, to pray, to rest – and to prepare.

There are many things – right now – pulling at your mind and heart. But commit yourself to this time, these moments; God is here as always, your companion along the journey of faith, to help you focus on what awaits you now.

Open your mind and heart to Word and Spirit and Truth. Allow love to move you and to change you, even in small ways that will call you forward.

Listen

Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), complained, “This perfume was worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would take what was in it.)

Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. This perfume was to be used in preparation for my burial, and this is how she has used it. You will always have the poor among you, but you won’t always have me.”

John 12:4-8

Think

Don’t be distracted by Judas. We know his type all too well. Self-absorbed, watching out only for himself even while he expresses concern for others.

Jesus will not have it. “If you are worried about the poor, you can do something for them at any time. Go ahead. Your days with me, however, are coming to an end. She knows that.”

No, our focus here should be on Mary – and on what she is doing. Her attention is on Jesus and Jesus alone. She is not distracted by anyone or anything else. Mary recognizes how precious these moments with Jesus are and she is determined to express her love and dedication to him while she can.

Yes, Mary is our model of devotion. Our days are too short and our opportunities are too few to waste them on ourselves. Our attention is better given elsewhere.

Nick Foster

Pray

Lord, help me to keep my focus on Jesus. Help me to be not so concerned about myself that I lose sight of him and those he loves. Amen.

Go

Out from the shadows God is calling you.
Even when all seems lost,
Love will not be denied.

Go now to leave the shadows;
Live into the light
Even as you await the dawn.