April 15, 2019
by Nancy Shirley
Creighton University's School of Nursing
click here for photo and information about the writer

The 1st Four Days of Holy Week - 14 min. - Text Transcript

Holy Week prayer and resources

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer

Today we start Holy Week – a time in our calendar where we experience great joy and yet know of great sorrow to come followed by the most glorious day for us.  Our readings throughout the week allow us to journey with Jesus as He prepares for the greatest sacrifice ever. 

The gospel is one that has always interested me.  Being rather frugal, I could on the surface see Judas’ point about doing good for so many.  As a young child that made sense but I did not understand Judas’ real motivation about money and the importance of appreciating that value is relative. Then as I was older I became to understand how valuable even moments with those we love are.  Losing my father at a young age, I cherish time with family.  However, as I reflect on this and write these words, I must face that my actions are not always in line with this value.  While I desire to serve others and this is a good thing and expected if I am to follow in the path of Jesus, I must keep it all in perspective.  As Jesus points out to his followers,

Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.

Jesus was foretelling of His death later this week and His return to His Father.  The one thing that we do know is that although Jesus is not physically here with us, His presence is nonetheless real.  I do know that I need that presence in my life.  Even when I drift in my actions and am not totally true to what I know is the path to follow, I can feel that presence.  I was recently at a concert with MercyMe – a contemporary Christian music group.  Their songs touched deep into my heart – listening for an entire evening to how Jesus is there, how my God is GREATER than anything here, how no matter what, I am never alone.  What I need to remember over and over is that the promise is God with Us (Emmanual) not that the way will be easy, just that I will not be alone.  Of course, they finished with I can only Imagine  -- the song that has us wondering about what it will be when we stand in front of God.  Will we dance? Will we sing Alleulia? Will we fall to our knees speechless? I wonder and fret about my worthiness yet truly believe the cross has won the war, no matter how many battles I lose.

As I struggle to keep my focus on what’s most important in this world, I am often called back to my center by music.  This one helps me to remember that it is not about me and what I do here. Anything I do should always be focused on glorifying God and emulating Jesus not for my rewards but to keep Jesus present to others.

Only Jesus by Casting Crowns