Pondering the Passion of Christ on this Good Friday, Virginia is struck with the persevering patience of Jesus.
I picture Jesus walking the first part of the Via Dolorosa, carrying the heavy cross on His bloody back, one slow step at a time, staggering a bit under the weight with persevering patience. A passerby, Simon of Cyrene, is conscripted to carry it the rest of the way. How that must have felt to be relieved of the burden for a few moments.
In a way, that’s what Jesus does for us: He sets us free and helps us carry our burdens to the end of our journeys. As He persevered on His journey to the Cross for us, Jesus walks with us in our times of duress.
Virginia is not good at patience. Years ago a friend said he couldn’t find the patron saint of redhead juggernauts (he was researching this for my benefit, can you believe?) But it seems to this redhead juggernaut that Jesus is the ultimate guide for folks like me – and everyone – with His persevering patience in every step of His Passion.
From His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, to His scourging, to courageously bearing the mockery of the crown of thorns placed on His head, to the slow walk down the Via Dolorosa, to enduring the Crucifixion. Nails in His hands, His feet… He bore it all with persevering patience for you and for me.
On this Good Friday, think about that.
grace, peace & persevering patience
Virginia
“For Jesus being at-one was not just being at-one with the glory of the stars…He was also at-one with all the pain and suffering that ever was, is, or will be. On the cross Jesus was at-one with the young boy with cancer, the young mother hemorrhaging, the raped girl… Jesus, on the Cross, experienced it all.” Madeleine L’Engle
Roses in the Rubble 
Reflective words to ponder on this momentous day! Thanks, again for your faithful writing to inspire us!
Thank you for your persevering encouragement, Cin!!!!! Hugs! ✨🕊✨🤗✨
Worth a reflection.
The pain He endured for our sake cannot be trivialized. Can’t think of a greater love than sacrificing Himself so that we may be free. What an advantage it is to know someone as selfless as Him and knowing that He is always with us through it all.
Amen, Cyn! As we picture Jesus on the Via Dolorosa, He is with us on our personal paths thru valleys of shadows, grief, loss & pain. Too often Christians gloss over the suffering Christ preferring Easter morning victory. While SUPER important (& central to our faith) when I’ve traveled thru life’s valleys I’ve found intense comfort in Jesus Christ Who knew suffering intimately and is with me in my suffering. Much love! ✨🙏✨💜✨
Holy Good Friday to you Virginia and 🙏💖
A blessed Easter week to you, GH!! Much love!! 💐✨🤗✨💐
Thank you💖
✨💜✨🤗✨💜✨
I’m not strong on patience either, Virginia — seems that takes a lifetime to perfect. Hang in there!
Hope you are hanging in there, Debbie! Here’s to working on our patience grooves (with lots of Christ’s help!) Easter blessings! 💐✨🤗✨💐
So very true… I often think about what He endured for us… Diane
Diane, I pray the persevering love of Jesus will continue to strengthen your heart with extra doses of grace, peace & joy – and patience. Much love & prayers! 💐✨🤗✨💐
Thanks so much Virginia… Diane
Much love to you! ✨🌸✨🤗🌸
Thank you! I too am not liking block-this worked for me. Thank you!!!
Blessings (& extra patience) Michele, as we deal with new block format! Aaack! 😱 Much love & Easter hugs! 💐✨🤗✨💐