This week we are preparing ourselves for Palm Sunday to finally ‘die’ with Jesus on the Cross. Mark describes the preparation for the last supper and the journey to Golgotha in chapter 14 and 15. Each time that I read this texts it strikes me when Jesus defends woman, who poured expensive perfume over his feet, against his disciples. He then continues : ’You will always have the poor among you, and you can always help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me’ (Mark 14:6b – NIV).
So often we are caught-up in the rhythm of every day, with always one deadline after the other. Days full with meetings, planning for meetings, caring for children and neighbours. So busy surviving one day after the other that we can forget what really matters: Jesus who died for our sin.
Yes, it is important to take care for the people around you, the poor, the marginalised and HIV positive persons. However, in order to be able to take care of others you also need to care for yourself.
This is also what Isaiah points out in verse 4 when he writes that: ‘The Sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary’.
I’d like to close with a prayer of St Patrick, an Irish saint from the 12th century.
May the Strength of God pilot us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Host of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil ones.
Against temptations of the world.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Salvation, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.
To think about: Do you involve Jesus in your everyday activities?
Are there moments in the coming week that you could spend some additional time with Jesus?
Written by: Rhodé Janssen – Communication Officer at CABSA and trained Churches, Channel of Hope Facilitator