CELERY
Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week for Catholics. It is a practice to bring palm branches at Mass to be blessed by the priest. This is in commemoration of Jesus’ historic entry to Jerusalem.
I recently came to appreciate and understand the deeper meaning of this event from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He delivered his homily at St. Peter’s Square several years ago. He said:
…communion with Christ is being on the way, a permanent ascent toward the heights of our call…the way to true life. Conformity with Jesus surpasses our own strength; this journey always means being carried. We find ourselves, so to speak, roped to Jesus Christ together with him on the ascent towards God’s heights. He pulls and supports us. It is part of following Christ that we allow ourselves to be roped together; that we acknowledge we cannot do it alone.
My Mountain Climb
The mountain God assigned me to “climb” at present is daunting and steep. Spread out are obstacles, hurdles, and seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Being human, it is hard to stay on track, easy to fall, or stray from the path. I can only give my best effort.
Yet, in my personal experience, God does not give up on me at all. He has never failed to pick me up the moment I felt lost or failed. I would call him, tell him I will try again, and he helps me stand up and get back on my feet again. This happened even in a dream. I fell from a mountain where he caught me on time.
Topmost is God’s love and mercy, which covers my weaknesses – my shortcomings and my failures. I feel humbled every time this happens. And for this, I will always be grateful.
“Roped” to Jesus
Someone suggested that to strengthen one’s faith, one leans on Jesus, as one would lean against a wall. This advice has never sustained me. But Benedict’s “being roped to Jesus” struck me and has made me feel safe and secure. The mere thought of the image gives me energy and the courage to move to the heights he calls me. It gives me hope and strength in the middle of my daily distractions and challenges.
I have no doubt that “being roped to Jesus” and holding tight is the one sure way to triumph! I realized that I have to be with him all the time. For he alone is the source of everything and anything that I will ever want and need for my purpose in life.
NOTE: I WILL NOT POST ARTICLES IN THE SUCCEEDING TWO WEEKS. THIS WHITE BUTTERFLY BLOG WILL RESUME POSTING ON MAY 25, 2019.