I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

The Lord GOD is my help,
therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint,
knowing that I shall not be put to shame. – Isaiah 50: 6 – 7

Reflection

Today  is Wednesday of Holy Week, and in today’s readings we see the sufferings of Jesus Christ foretold in Isaiah and subsequently in the Gospel of Matthew, we read of how Judas was paid to betray Christ.

As we contemplate Christ suffering, the Face of our Lord in its wounded state, filled with bruises, a crown of thorns, blood and spittle is wondrous.

It’s wondrous because in spite of all He suffered, Christ did not object or shield His Face from insults.

As we read from Isaiah, He set His Face as flint.

In other words, He took it all in – despite the hurt He felt – He chose to take it all.

And He did it for love of us. For love of me. For love of you.

How do we respond to this love.

Holy Week feels to me like a time for little words, and much contemplation.

So today if you have a moment, contemplate – look upon, love and adore – the Face of Christ.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for loving me with Your whole heart and not being ashamed to bear insults and shame for love of me.

I love You with all my heart.

As we enter into the most solemn time of Lent and Easter, give me a still quietness to contemplate Your love for me, and especially today as displayed in Your most Holy Face.

Amen.

 

Always & Forever,

To The Lamb.

With all my love.

28-March-2018