As we complete our first full week of Lent, let’s reflect on the sorrowful mysteries that Jesus endured, which took place before His walk to Calgary where He would be crucified.
As we walk through our journey of life, it is important to remember that Jesus also walked on earth. And He walks along with us on our journey as well–every step of the way. Much like Jesus on his journey to Calgary, we too have many trials.
Agony in the Garden
The sorrowful mysteries begin with the Agony in the garden.
Agony, which is a form of worry, takes form in many ways. Often times I agonize over small things, big things, and things that just don’t matter at the end of the day.
Jesus agonized over His passion- which was the human thing to do. We forget that Jesus was Human! He experienced all of these sufferings long before we did.
He even said “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me: yet not my will, yours be done” Luke 22:42.
So if we agonize or worry, its Ok. Even Jesus did that.
It doesn’t mean that we are weak if we are scared. It makes us human. It is what we do with the fear that counts.
How did Jesus handle His agony and His fear?
He TRUSTED in God.
Even though He knew it would be painful, heartbreaking and lonely, He TRUSTED God anyway. He surrendered His will, for His Father’s will.
And he gave up everything in doing so.
It is said in the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis that “If your rely upon self and do not offer your free will to mine, your offering will be incomplete and the union between us imperfect…if you desire to attain grace and freedom of heart, let the free offering of yourself into the hands of God precede your every action.”
We. too, must make decisions. We can choose to WALK in faith OR choose to sit in the fear and darkness.
So, let’s make a choice.
1). This week, in particular, focus on ONE thing that you are agonizing or worrying about. Big or small.
This could be something miniscule like wondering about the weather. OR it could be something more significant like a relationship or decision you need to make that impacts yourself or others.
2). Abandon it to Jesus.
Visualize giving it to HIm! Sometimes I visualize Jesus standing before me and I literally hand the worry over to Him. By visualizing it, I am better able to relinquish it over to Him once and for all. Feel the relief as you practice this exercise.
When you are struggling to let go, think of this:
It is stated in the Divine Mercy Diary, written by St. Faustina “Oh how I love those souls who have complete confidence in me-I will do everything for them…sooner would Heaven and earth turn into nothingness than would My mercy not embrace a trusting soul“ (The Diary of St. Faustina-Divine Mercy).
3). Enjoy your freedom!
When you truly let go of the concern or worry, you will feel a great relief. Peace and joy will settle in your heart. You will be able to embrace the present moment more and live more freely being united to Him.
4). Pray for help! You may feel tempted to begin worrying once again…which is completely normal.
This is one of my favorite prayers by St. Francis Cabrini:
Fortify me with the Grace of your Holy Spirit and give your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless anxiety, solicitude, and worry. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you so that your Will may be my Will.
