Not Just Any Week

…She has done a good thing for me.  Matthew 26:10

Well, it’s Monday!  That  means the start of another week and as you read, some of you are tired, some are frustrated, some are happy and some are worried.  No matter what you’re feeling as this new week begins I’m going to ask you to put it all on hold and realize this is not just another week.  This is HOLY WEEK and more than anything I want this week to be different for you, for me, for everyone who is a christian.  This is a week of powerful sacrifice, love, commitment and glory.  The point and purpose of this post is to help you make this week set apart from all the others.  I’m asking all of us to lay down our worries, our burdens and our “stuff” and choose instead to walk this week with Jesus and remember how great were his actions during this week as he redeemed us.

The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in Duluth MN have a spectacular way of living out this week and setting it apart.  I’d like to share their Holy Week focus in hopes it will change our focus too.  Here’s what they think and pray about each day this week.  They actually begin on Saturday.  We’re a couple days late but we sure can back up our thinking and catch up.  I’ve added a couple of questions to each day in hopes we can think about and act on them as we walk with Jesus through this extraordinary last week of his earthly life.

*Commitment Saturday - Ponder and pray about the commitment Jesus made to his Father’s plan and will.  The commitment he made to our salvation.  How have I committed to Jesus?  What can I commit to do for him today?

*Procession Sunday - Jesus publicly showed his love for the Father.  Will I walk with him?  What will I do today to publicly stand and walk with Jesus?

*Extravagance Monday - How extravagant was his love for us.  Read the story of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume in Matthew 26.  Her love and her actions showed extravagant love.  How has Jesus shown extravagant love for you?  Who can you love today?

*Compulsion to Completion Tuesday - Jesus was compelled to move forward to do his Father’s will in spite of doubts, worries, troubles or fear.  He was determined to complete the Father’s will.  What is God asking you to do for him?  Where do you need to add compulsion and completion like Jesus?

*Aloneness Wednesday - Jesus knew the next day he would give everything and he paused to be alone in prayer, in silence in the presence of his Father.  Spend at least 30 minutes in silence today.  Take time to be alone with your Father and His Son pondering the upcoming few days and all Jesus did for you.  Read the Gospel accounts of Holy Thursday and Good Friday so you will be ready to think about them in the upcoming days.

*Body Given Thursday - Jesus gave everything.  His body to the guards who arrest him this night and in the Last Supper he gave us the everlasting promise of His Body and Blood which were to be poured out for the salvation of us all.  What is Jesus asking you to give?  Are there people in your life who need the gifts you can offer them?

*Impotent Friday - Jesus was powerless on this day.  He who was Almighty became powerless for our sake and his Father had to observe it all.  That happened for you and for me.  Where do you need to submit to the Father?  Where do you need to relinquish some power to the Father, knowing all the while he will be with you?  From the time you wake up until 3 spend 5 to 10 minutes each hour meditating on the events of Good Friday; walking with him through this sorrowful day.

*Saturday - The Day of Night, Jesus spent this day in darkness.  It was still, it was waiting, it was quiet.  It was a day that with patience, reaped great glorious joy.  Where do you need to be more patient?  Find a way to practice that today.

*Sunday - The Day of Miracles.  After you eat your chocolate bunny, make a list of all the miracles God has worked in your life and be sure to put Jesus a the top of the list.

May you use these thoughts and questions to guide you through the week and may the practice be fruitful for your soul.

A Seed To Plant:  Print this one or open it each morning so you remember how to pray your way through each day and say a prayer of thanksgiving for the good Sisters for their Holy Week example.​

Blessings on your day!