Read: Luke 22:14-38
The scripture reminds us of Christ’s sufferings and eventual death to redeem us of our sins. Jesus prophesized that one of his anointed disciples would betray him and that another disciple, whom he has anointed as the head of his ministry, would deny him. It illustrates that even the “anointed ones” with their human frailties, just like the rest of us, are not immune from the weakness of the flesh to “betray” and “deny” our Lord Jesus Christ, by our failure to acknowledge him and adhere to his teachings.
Jesus taught us to be servant-leaders, to serve those who are put in our care. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves”(25,26).
Jesus also informed us that he was and still is the living sacrifice for our sins, so that we will be able to enter the kingdom of God. He established and entrusted us with the new covenant of Holy Communion which is symbolic of the battered body and the blood he shed for us.
This Lenten season therefore, gives us the opportunity to reflect on how faithful we have been in the practice of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Have we betrayed him like Judas, by not adhering to his teachings of faith, hope and love? Have we denied him just as Simon did, when we deny Christ as our Savior and his teachings?
During this Lenten period, we want to get closer to God by cleansing our spirit, body and soul. Cleansing our spirit involves the re-affirmation our faith, with more communion with God through prayers, reading of the Bible and asking for forgiveness of our sins. The cleansing of the body involves the avoidance of such things that may defile us through what we eat. Fasting during Lent is a good way to do this and maintain or develop self-discipline. The cleansing of the soul involves expressing our love and devotion to God and love to our brothers and sisters, and through such selfless acts as sharing of our God-given gifts with God and our brothers and sisters.
As we get close to God this Lenten season through prayers, fasting and almsgiving, and prepare our spirit, body and soul for the resurrection of Christ, the eternal life and kingdom of God, let us re-dedicate ourselves as servant-leaders to the works of faith: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite strangers in, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit those that are imprisoned. Through these works of faith, Jesus Christ has promised to welcome us to the kingdom of God. “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”. “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:31-40).
We pray that God’s blessings, faithfulness, mercies and goodness will abide with us through this Lenten season and forever. Amen.
Christian King
The scripture reminds us of Christ’s sufferings and eventual death to redeem us of our sins. Jesus prophesized that one of his anointed disciples would betray him and that another disciple, whom he has anointed as the head of his ministry, would deny him. It illustrates that even the “anointed ones” with their human frailties, just like the rest of us, are not immune from the weakness of the flesh to “betray” and “deny” our Lord Jesus Christ, by our failure to acknowledge him and adhere to his teachings.
Jesus taught us to be servant-leaders, to serve those who are put in our care. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves”(25,26).
Jesus also informed us that he was and still is the living sacrifice for our sins, so that we will be able to enter the kingdom of God. He established and entrusted us with the new covenant of Holy Communion which is symbolic of the battered body and the blood he shed for us.
This Lenten season therefore, gives us the opportunity to reflect on how faithful we have been in the practice of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Have we betrayed him like Judas, by not adhering to his teachings of faith, hope and love? Have we denied him just as Simon did, when we deny Christ as our Savior and his teachings?
During this Lenten period, we want to get closer to God by cleansing our spirit, body and soul. Cleansing our spirit involves the re-affirmation our faith, with more communion with God through prayers, reading of the Bible and asking for forgiveness of our sins. The cleansing of the body involves the avoidance of such things that may defile us through what we eat. Fasting during Lent is a good way to do this and maintain or develop self-discipline. The cleansing of the soul involves expressing our love and devotion to God and love to our brothers and sisters, and through such selfless acts as sharing of our God-given gifts with God and our brothers and sisters.
As we get close to God this Lenten season through prayers, fasting and almsgiving, and prepare our spirit, body and soul for the resurrection of Christ, the eternal life and kingdom of God, let us re-dedicate ourselves as servant-leaders to the works of faith: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite strangers in, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit those that are imprisoned. Through these works of faith, Jesus Christ has promised to welcome us to the kingdom of God. “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”. “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:31-40).
We pray that God’s blessings, faithfulness, mercies and goodness will abide with us through this Lenten season and forever. Amen.
Christian King
