As a boy growing up in Roman-occupied Palestine, Jesus likely saw the crucified remains of murderers, zealots and thieves along the main roads leading into and out of town. In the Gospel today, He is fully aware that His teachings are heresy to those in power, and that the penalty for heresy is death; possibly crucifixion. If that weren’t daunting enough, Jesus foretells a painful betrayal by a close friend and follower, knowing that most of the rest of them will also scatter in His darkest hour.

Also as a boy, Jesus would have devoured the words of Isaiah the great prophet. No doubt, during these moments of excruciating awareness of what is to come, He, like Isaiah, has “set his face like flint.” In the coming days, He will not shield his back from violent blows, nor His face from spitting. He will give every part of Himself on the cross to prove the extravagant love of God for mankind. He is not ashamed of the cross, and understands that His death is the gateway to the most undeniable power the world will ever see.

To take up our cross and walk with Christ will lead us to places of trembling fear. Sinful tendencies grow in us like weeds. They steal our life and our joy. God desires to seize those weeds and pull…hard! Lent is the perfect time to allow the grace of God to uproot those things, agonizing as the process may be. St. John of the Cross wrote, “the endurance of darkness is preparation for great light.” In these final days of Lent, let us set our “face like flint”, knowing that God has prepared a great light for us in the Resurrection of His Son!

For reflection, listen to a SONG that Sarah Hart and I wrote together – “Jesus Meek And Humble”

Ben Walther: After producing two albums as an independent Christian musician, Ben joined the OCP family and released his album, “Make Your Home in Me,” in 2013. It debuted at #12 on the iTunes Christian charts. In June 2016, he released “Ablaze,” again partnering with Catholic music publisher OCP. A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, Ben is a full time itinerant worship leader and speaker. He and his wife and 6 children live in North Canton, Ohio.

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

2 COMMENTS

  1. Jesus forgive us for all our sins guide us to take our crosses without fear like you did for us Father God we leave all our needs at your feet help us always in Jesus Mighty name

    Amen

  2. “Also as a boy, Jesus would have devoured the words of Isaiah the great prophet. No doubt, during these moments of excruciating awareness of what is to come, He, like Isaiah, has ‘set his face like flint.’ In the coming days, He will not shield his back from violent blows, nor His face from spitting. He will give every part of Himself on the cross to prove the extravagant love of God for mankind. He is not ashamed of the cross, and understands that His death is the gateway to the most undeniable power the world will ever see.” — excellent…

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here