Happy Holy Week!
This is probably the most unprepared I’ve felt for it in years. I will be the first to admit that I did not have the most fruitful Lent. I still made some small sacrifices and did some spiritual reflection, but ultimately, I ended up meeting God where I was at when I could. Overwhelm and new diagnoses took over a lot of the time and energy I should have been putting into Lent.
But I also know that by carrying this cross of stress and overwhelm this season, I also was walking alongside Jesus on His way to Calvary. He was walking with me and I with Him. And sometimes, that’s what life in a transitional season needs to look like.
Jesus’ walk to Calvary
This led me to meditate on Jesus’ walk to Calvary. For His whole proclamation, He was working on reaching as many people as He could so He could teach them about His Father. While He was doing this, He also created a group of friends that He relied on to be there for Him when He needed them.
Jesus experienced so much abandonment and betrayal during this time. But He also had support from Simon the Cyrene to physically help carry the cross, Veronica to wipe His face, the women who stayed with Him throughout, His mother, Mary, and his beloved disciple, John.
Even though it was Jesus’ cross to bear for us, He still had a community of people who cared for Him and stayed by Him as best as they could. We too, have our own crosses that we must bear during our life. It is important that we are able to surround ourselves with a support system so that the load is not as heavy.
My own walk and support team
These past few months have been difficult ones, and this past month especially has been hard. But I’ve also had friends and family that I could turn to for support:
My family, who is just a phone call away and always willing to lend a listening ear.
New friends, who also have special needs kids or a lot of young kids who I could joke with about how difficult Palm Sunday mass was, or share resources with, or even just vent after a hard day without fear of judgement.
Old friends, who reach out and make time to catch up with me.
Saintly friends, who have called out to me and inspired me with their own holy lives.
And of course, God himself, who showed his presence during the trials we’ve faced.
Reflection Questions:
Who are you surrounding yourself with this Holy Week?
Who is helping you carry your cross?
Is there someone else you can invite to help you OR is there someone you can help?
