Holy Week

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 | Holy Week

Isaiah 50:10-11 | Psalm 69 | Matthew 26:14-25

“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY” WEEK

“Speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” - Isaiah 50:4

This week is called “Holy Week” not only because of the memories of Christ’s last days, which it invokes, but also because, during this week, the Lord gives us the grace to become more holy, to become more like Him (I Peter 1:15). Of course, every week is a holy week because the Lord constantly calls us to become holy, as He is holy (I Peter 1:15-16). However, this week is the opportunity to realize that the Lord is constantly trying to “rouse’ us to live as faithful disciples. This week, we can receive the grace to hunger and thirst for holiness (Matthew 5:6). Then we will look at the circumstances of life not to maximize pleasure and minimize pain but to maximize holiness, because holy lives are those which are pleasing to God.

In the coming days and years, we can expect to be unpopular, because Christians often are (II timothy 3:12). We may be beaten, buffeted, and spat at (see Isaiah 50:6). Only if we are authentic disciples will we respond to this abuse with love, forgiveness, and courage. That takes ‘holiness.’ God longs for us to live authentic lives, because without holiness, we cannot see God (Hebrews 12:14).

Prayer: Lord, make me holy - no matter what it takes.