Lent Day #9

Today's readings tell us that all four gospels depict the disciples leaving and going their separate ways after Jesus was arrested. Jesus was alone and abandoned in his greatest time of need. I can never imagine how you felt at that moment. However, I and most of your followers have felt and do sometimes still feel alone and abandoned. The difference being--we are not alone. You died for us to save us. When we feel abandoned, we must remember the prayer "footprints." It is at our lowest times when we must remember that you died to save us and are, more than likely, carrying us and our cross in our weakest moments.

Today was awful. I felt alone. I felt as if I could trust no one. Yet, I pressed onward because I knew you were standing next to me each step of the way.

From the very beginning of this Lenten Season, it has been a hollow feeling. It used to be in times past that you would go to the grocery store, or work, or anywhere really and see fellow Christians with a black cross on their forehead on Ash Wednesday. This year, NO ONE. Not even at work. People were telling me to clear the dirt off of my face. I don't know what that says for the news business. Maybe newzies have become work-a-holic, faithless beings who put their jobs ahead of what really matters (ok, I exaggerate in the heat of the moment....only some of them!). I was taught from day 1, God comes first. Though that is oftentimes very hard to do, I was also taught that there are 'certain' days for SURE where God comes first. I'm guessing Ash Wednesday is one of them! All I can do is stick to my convictions. Yet, I felt alone. It seems, society is definitely taking a turn for the worse at times, when it comes to humanity, integrity, and doing the right thing.

Another reflection for today comes from Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Mt 7:7-12. The Father always provides for us (it may not be what we 'want' but is always what we 'need'). Let's try to do something today to provide for someone else's needs.