My Heart, My Home

Jesus, you allowed yourself to be so vulnerable to us. There was nothing you held back. You clearly expressed your love and what mattered to you most when you chose the cross. You allowed the mocking. You allowed the luke-warm feelings and rejection. You allowed the pain. Your humility and vulnerability show the strength that comes from God, and your bold, sacrificial love will never be forgotten.

Jesus, I think of your mother Mary being vulnerable to rejection and judgment when she became pregnant with you, and then of her own suffering at your death. Mary boldly chose obedience and love of God to lead her.

The woman who poured a jar of costly perfumed oil on your head risked her reputation and awkwardness amongst you and the disciples. She boldly chose love and honoring you anyway.

Veronica stepped out of the crowd as you passed by carrying the cross. She risked punishment by the soldiers and rejection from the bystanders. She boldly chose to wipe your face in love and restore your dignity.

John stood by your mother at the foot of your cross. He risked his life being known as your follower. He boldly chose to be with you in your last hours and comfort your mother.

Jesus, help me to live for you, with you closely. Help me to love boldly just as you, your mother, and friends did. At the risk of rejection, help me to love boldly. At the risk of awkward silence or conversation, help me to love boldly. At the risk of no one noticing or appreciating my good deeds, help me to love boldly. At the risk of pain, help me to love boldly. At the risk of mockery, being misunderstood, or false accusations, help me to love boldly. Come Holy Spirit, pour your courage upon me, may I be willing to choose you, to choose love, and to not be afraid. Thank you for being with us always, Jesus. I love you. Amen.