“And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Matthew 26:39. “Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.”” Matthew 26:42
How did Jesus endure and surrender so deeply to His passion, crucifixion and death?
I’m ashamed to say that I’ve often thought, “of course Jesus can surrender and willingly die, He is God – He knows everything and He knew He would rise again on the third day.
Trust in the Father in Gethsemane and at the cross was easy for Jesus, He is God. Of course, He knew beyond any doubt that His death on the cross wasn’t the end. He knew and testified of His resurrection.
Then, this morning, God gently spoke to my heart. Jesus said, “That is what trust is and what it does.” And, ring, the bell went off.
Why does a soul struggle through a hardship? Why is a soul fearful of death? Simply put, lack of trust. Jesus has total, absolute trust in God the Father. Though He was God, He still had to surrender His Will to trust in the Father. He did that in this moment amongst the olives.
So can we. Imagine a life imitating Jesus in just this one way. Absolute trust in the Father.
“”Where, O death, is your victory. Where, O death, is your sting?”” 1 Corinthians 15:55
In the biggest challenge and fear most men have – death – we, as Catholics know that death is not an end. It is just a gateway through which a soul must pass to gain full access to God. This is the moment trust must be absolute, for this is when the soul is most afraid.
“Pray as much as you can for the dying. By your entreaties, obtain for them trust in My mercy, because they have most need of trust, and have it the least. Be assured that the grace of eternal salvation for certain souls in their final moment depends on your prayer.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1777
Struggles and challenges of health, welfare and anything vanish in the blazing light of Trust. When trust in God is absolute, struggles fall away. The soul sees God’s guiding hand and loving eyes through the darkest of times. Even the pitch dark of these worst times stand bring in God’s light. As part of His plan, we may not see the end but we can see Him (I guess He IS the end).
Trust and faith in Jesus gives us the spirit to face the same challenges Jesus did, with the same strength. Calm washed over any soul who has faith in God.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Let’s join Martha is confidence…
“She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”” John 11:27