Lent is ending. I think a lot during Lent because it is a very purifying time for me. During this time, I spend much of spiritual energy releasing the hurts that I have accumulated and over the year. So, it is true that I am generally, a very sensitive person throughout this period of the year.
I wonder if anyone out there also tries to forgive the hurts, betrayals, pains that they have absorbed over the past year as I do. I wonder if anyone else out there waits to forgive trespasses as long as I do. I don't realize that I hoard my hurts, it just happens. It is interesting to me that no matter how thoroughly I forgive, the scars on my spirit do not disappear or blend. They are permanent.
During Holy Week I focus on how Jesus died for my trespasses against God. I focus on the sacrifice he made for my spirit and that of mankind. I focus on the pains that I may have caused the people I love and anyone else over the year.
On this especially rare Good Friday and Feast of the Annunciation, I reflect on parenthood. There is risk that we all take as parents when we say yes to a new life and the joy children bring. When we say yes to this we also say yes to the sadness that come from watching them struggle through life's obstacle course. I am especially thoughtful of all the parents that have lost their children. These parents share this pain with Mary and somehow manage to gracefully recover.
I will never see another Feast of the Annunciation and Good Friday on the same day in my lifetime. So, I am especially grateful for the reminder of what can be if we have faith.
Have a Blessed Good Friday and Feast of the Annunciation!
Catholic Woman
