During Lent we look more closely at the suffering and death of Jesus, which we as Christians all know about. But for many Christians, it is just that event once again in the cycle of life of our Church. So say the token prayer, and then off to enjoy the days free from work. Or perhaps say some serious prayers and do substantial devotions, but fail to more fully respond to what God has done for us.
Consider Jesus talking with you privately, eyeball to eyeball, and solemnly saying, "Do you realize what I have done for you?" (Jn 13:12).
Jesus washes our feet, the Master taking the form of a servant. How have we truly humbled ourselves in order to serve others?
Jesus goes to the cross, suffering excruciating pain, to pay the price for our sins. How have we embraced the crosses we face in life, especially as we serve Jesus?
Jesus forgave us our sins, even as we were the ones who sent him to the cross. How have we forgiven the much smaller sins people have committed against us?
Jesus gave his life for us, to win for us our salvation. How have we turned our lives over to him, and given totally and self-sacrificially of ourselves in order to proclaim this gospel of salvation?
Do you realize what Jesus has done for you? Have you allowed such realization to totally transform your life? "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do." (Jn 13:15).
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