THE HANDS OF JESUS

THE HANDS OF JESUS

Our church took a field trip to The Shrine of Christ's Passion, at St. John, Indiana.  What a moving experience. www.shrineofchristspassion.org

As I looked at the Stations of the Cross, I noticed three very import things, the Roman Soldiers, the hands of Jesus and our hope.

I was going to tell you about this in one blog, but have decided to make it a three part experience. This is part two on the hands of Jesus.

Unlike the pictures last week, the pictures this week are much easier on the heart. Yes, Jesus is carrying the cross, but he is encountering believers or being given assistance by a stranger. But first, Jesus prayed in the garden.

THE HANDS OF JESUS

 

JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN

 

MARY KNEELS BEFORE HER SON

JESUS STANDS TALL BEFORE HIS MOTHER

 

SIMON OF CYRENE IS TOLD TO HELP CARRY THE CROSS

 

VERONICA OFFERS COMFORT

 

 

REACHING OUT TO THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Did you notice the veins standing out on Jesus' hands, as he prayed in the garden?

Did you notice the look on the face of Mary? I had trouble walking away from this one. Mary must have been feeling such deep grief. But Jesus stood tall for her. He stood tall so she would understand that this was to be.

In the other pictures, did you notice Jesus always put his hand out to those helping him? His hand went out to Simon, Veronica and to the women. Even during this painful, agonizing journey, Jesus gave comfort.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:35 - 36

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever said a prayer so intense that your hands were gripped as if your life depended on the outcome of your prayer? Have you felt the hand of Jesus reaching out to you?

 

DID YOU TAKE HIS HAND?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Jesus, When I pray, I want my prayers to be honest. True. I want my prayers to be sincere. O Lord, hear my prayers when I place my deepest fears, my greatest joys, and my sincere petitions into your care. Thank you for giving comfort to those that had the courage to step out of the crowd and give you comfort. I pray that I can be a Veronica, a Simon or a believer. Strong enough to answer the call for help, as Simon did, or as brave, in my faith, as Veronica and other believers that stayed by your cross. Amen