Yes, I know that Easter was this past Sunday. But Easter has a nice long liturgical season. One that allows us to contemplate the beautiful lessons of Lent and Easter. That’s what I would like to do this week. 

Our Lord Jesus teaches us a very important lesson on Maundy Thursday. I am not sure if I can adequately explain the awe that I felt while listening to the Gospel reading on Palm Sunday. These passages tell us the brutal story of what would happen to Jesus in the following week. Specifically, I am referring to Jesus’ time alone in the Garden of Gethsemane.  

It is at this time that he asks his disciples to wait, watch, and pray with him. They fall asleep. Jesus cries out “Abba! Father! Is there another way that we can accomplish our mission? Does it have to be this way? But your will not mine be done.” Now, you know that I have paraphrased the words that Jesus used in his prayer to reflect how I understood what he was asking his Father to do. 

Here’s the impression that came into my mind when I heard this reading. One, by the way, that I have heard many, many times. For some reason, the words and the request struck me in a way that was different than in the past.  

Jesus is expressing his fully human nature in this plea. He implies the fear that he feels with the knowledge of the coming events. He knows that these next days will result in his death and along the way, there will be pain, suffering, humiliation, and betrayal that his human body and mind will have to endure. He has known this plan since the beginning of time. He knows what has to take place and why. 

However, his human nature emerges in this instance, and he asks for a reprieve. I don’t pretend to understand the mystery of Christ as God and Man, but this prayer on Maundy Thursday demonstrates to me that Jesus was fully human with the same fears that I have felt in times of need. 

Here’s the beautiful lesson-it’s not an easy lesson, but it is beautiful. Jesus accepts the Father’s will and continues to walk the fearsome path to Calvary. He places himself into the care and protection of the Father and three days later, he rises from the dead! He is triumphant and we are redeemed! 

It is a powerful example that God will be present for each of us during the difficult times of our lives just as he was there for Jesus the Man. For me, prayer and acceptance are the keys even in the face of tragedy. God’s unconditional love surrounds us with everlasting protection, giving us the courage to take one step at a time. 

Trust in the Lord and enjoy this wonderful Easter season. Christ is risen! Alleluia! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia! 

Terri