Jesus Prays for Our Faith

~~~ Palm Sunday ~~~

 

~~Isaiah 50:4-7~~Psalm 22~~Philippians 2:6-11~~Luke 22:14—23:56~~

 

Just as at the birth of Jesus jubilant songs fill the air this day when he enters

the city of Jerusalem. Perhaps their dreams were really coming true;

Jesus is the 'king' they were hoping he would become after all.

 

But what king would sit upon a donkey as his chariot?

They proclaimed:
“Blessed is the king who comes
in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest.”

 

Excitement fills the air, all are rejoicing.

Jesus gave them a taste of what they were looking for,

but it turns into a horror story instead.

 

Soon their songs of rejoicing turn to chants of mockery.

“He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him,
let him rescue him, if he loves him.”

 

The love between God the Father and the Son

surpass our human understanding.

A human father would not willingly want to see one of his sons suffer.

 

But Jesus came to do the will of the his father so

'...he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.'

 

Time after time I am touched by the tremendous humility

through which our salvation was secured.

Through the humility of Jesus we can experience

an even deeper appreciation for his death.

 

Just his name, Jesus, evokes great love and praise.

 

 

As the final hour draws ever closer Jesus chooses to share a meal

with his closest friends and followers.

He wants to share in fellowship and love with the twelve who knew him best.

Many people facing their impending death also want to be surrounded

with family and friends....

This may be a pure human phenomenon; I do not know for sure.

 

Jesus took this last supper if you will to share with his some of his final thoughts.

There were some important things that he wanted them to remember.

Memories connected to strong emotions are much stronger, more vivid,

and most easily recalled later.

 

'...I am among you as the one who serves.
It is you who have stood by me in my trials...'

 

Jesus impresses upon them that in doing

the will of the father he came to serve.

 

Jesus tells them that he has prayed for them to go forward to continue

the work he has begun.

'...I have prayed that your own faith may not fail...'

 

Imagine for a moment having Jesus pray for you.

How does that make you feel?

When Jesus prayed for his disciples I like to believe that he

was actually praying for us as well.

If we are now also one of his disciples we too

 have been strengthened

by his prayers for us.

 

I invite you to join me between now and Holy Thursday

to reflect on Jesus praying for you.

I am grateful and humbled to think that

Our Lord Jesus Christ would pray for me.

What can I give in return except a greater commitment to him

 and a deeper love for him.

Today we enter into the most solemn time of the liturgical year...

there is a reason it is called Holy Week.