School of Prayer: Wednesday in Holy Week
The first of four short videos by the SSJE Brothers, reflecting on Wednesday in Holy Week’s service of Tenebrae.
The first of four short videos by the SSJE Brothers, reflecting on Wednesday in Holy Week’s service of Tenebrae.
As I read the comments this morning, I was struck by the image of Jesus falling on the way to the cross. Then, he turns to the women, who are weeping for him, and says they should weep for themselves and their children. In the midst of his suffering, Our Lord cared for them rather than himself. So often, I put myself first as though I were not the child of our Heavenly Father. When I become a slave to self, I am cut off from the light of Jesus’ presence. I need Jesus every hour, but to find his light, I must learn to care for others. He says, “Anything you did for one of my brothers/ sisters here however humble, you did for me.” Matthew 25:41
The light of Jesus is what awakened me from the dark I was living in. It was as if I couldn’t quite see the pictures that were my life. Now, I have Technicolor. On the flip side, there was always a weight, a heaviness and now I feel lighter. Praise you, Lord Jesus
I read your comment today, it was a blessing! You made me smile and enjoy the spirit that you are spreading via the internet today:0
For me, light and truth go together. Light shines to reveal the truth. It is metaphorical and plain speaking both. Jesus offers us an understanding of God’s own light and truth… I want to be part of that light, to step into that light and invite others to join me… to be in the stream of love, god’s light and truth… Thanks for the meditation.
My thoughts, also!
I am left with the image of a single candle burning at the end of the service, particularly knowing that at the Easter Vigil (my favorite Easter service and the one I always try to attend) the process will move in reverse, beginning in darkness, moving to new fire, and then bursting into light as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
I find these videos thought-provoking and helpful. They provide a focus I might not otherwise have and sometimes they hit on something I need to think about or that I’ve been stuck on. This happens with Brother give us a Word as well, but the videos approach being an immediate conversation. Thank you for these treats in Advent and Lent. And thank you for helping me think about how to follow the light.
Thank you for reminding me so gently that Jesus is the Light and the way. I needed that today at a time when my parish is going through a very painful time and it is hard to see what the way forward is – but if we can keep going towards the Light we will be on the right track and in God’s time his path for us will be made known.
I have never experienced such an awareness of meaning of the session of lent as expressed in this session of the School of Prayer. He is the “Light of the World” ! Thank you for sharing, and I look to other sessions from the School of Prayer.
God Bless
Jesus is the light of the world but my problem with this symbol for Jesus is that is sets up a dichotomy with darkness. Darkness is by inference negative and identified with evil i.e. the powers of darkness. Darkness is also a positive aspect of light the via negative. The darkness also allows other aspects of ourselves to be brought into consciousness.
Light vs. dark certainly isn’t anything new in terms of Jesus vs. satan/evil. I gues I don’t understand you comment.
I am physically handicapped and in a wheelchair. I am able to live alone with nine hours of assistance. I got this assistance through a state funded program until I aged out. I’ve been paying my aid directly untile Friday when she registered concern with the method I was using to pay her. Today, after much prayer and with the potential help of a church member it looks as if it will be possible to change the method of payment. This will enable me to keep her help which allows me to cope outside of a nursing home. That potential is truly a light in my despair!
I like these short videos and being asked to think about a particular thing. It’s having to answer the question that makes it a challenge – more of a challenge than reading someone’s sermon. I like both types of communication. However, while the posted sermons are thought provoking, alas, I am a bit lazy. I need that question to ponder as it is all too easy just to say what a great sermon and then not apply it personally.
This was a moving presentation of the service tonight. Usually these things stay in my head; they are explanations, but the way you talked of the light and dark and Jesus being the Light in our lives went straight to my heart. Thank you Brother David. Beautiful…..