HOPE IN ALL SEASONS - HOLY WEEK REFLECTIONS PART II

Agree with me that life isn't rossy? Many times l meet friends and/ colleagues and the story seems to be one, 'its too bad, ma1, zvakaoma, ndakanyura' - meaning the current situation isn't pleasing. (If you are my friend, after reading this reflection - the narrative has to change or else l will unfriend you lol)

The Way of The Cross: Hope Amidst Suffering 

In the Holy Week - Jesus reminds us that even in suffering, we must keep holding onto our faith, to the Father's promise(s). Imagine you are enjoying yourself at a party and suddenly the DJ stops the sound, lights off and everyone is comanded to leave. Well, in this case the mob can fight for justice, but in the situation of Jesus it never. The story from celebration to passion, from triumphant entry to an agony exit from 'Hosanna' to 'Crucify Him' was one l cannot you and l cannot comprehend alone. Imagine the way we were praising and worshipping God on Palm Sunday, then all of a sudden we are viciously attacking the one we were praising. These are some of our friends we live with in our societies. What to do about them? Jesus' experience is the best teacher, let's open our hearts and learn from Him.

Now put yourself in the shoes of the disciples during this period: confusion, lack of understanding, fear, anxiety, bitterness, betray, helplessness...you can add to the list. Even beloved Peter promised to stick through, but no - the prophesy was fulffiled. Although the spirit was willing, the flesh couldn't permit. Sometimes our fragility are our greatest walls that limit our God given capabilities, agree?

We too young people of faith are not faraway from this overwhelming experience - saka zvazvakadai zvichazodii, zvandakadai ndichazoveiko, with this situation in my life, family and country, what will l be tomorrow, what about my kids and those to come? Our hope is often tested in bitter, blur and challenging situations. The present struggles of our time can overwhelm us, and a bright future seem to be far for us, all seem to be impossible. We keep on asking, ' When is it going to end?' We have so many questions with noone to give a convincing or perfect answer. To some going to school seem to be a waste of time and those with creative ideas or potential dreams are seized with fear, doubt ...it cannot, not by me, in this current situation. Stable, peaceful and joyful relationships are scarce, those existing are rooted on materialistic ground such that when a component of interest is gone, so as the relationship. Social injustices and/ immorality is escalating to such an extend that we have become so much comfortable with our way of living. Where to go? Who to help? How to solve? - sadly when solutions are presented, we reject in favour of those which are very quick and easy. Oh yes, gone are the days when they used to sweat for every solution. No, many of us are avoiding such paths that demand so much commitment, hardwork and so much sacrifices. Sometimes it feels like hope is fleeting.

As l was reflecting on the Gospel of Salvation, l learnt that many times the journey of faith isn't rossy but one which is rough, thorny, bumpy sometimes rejection, betrayal. But like Jesus in His human form, He endured all these bitter experiences. He knew He was going to be rejected, beteayed, crowned with thorns, carry the cross, stripped off, embarrassed, pireced, crucified to death. Oh yes, He was the Most beloved Son of God, but that doesn't block the agony....which then made Him to turn to God, His Father, Our Father; 

1. Mtt 26:39 - In the Garden

2. Lk 22:44 - Turning to God the Father in His darkest hour, the night before betrayal

3. Mtt 27:46 On the Cross at Calvary 

4. Lk 23:46 - He finally surrendered to the Father

Above all, He pleaded with the Father, ' Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing' Lk 23:34

After everything, if it was you and me??

This is for us all, we are too called to face such difficulties, but with a firm belief that God's plan for us is great and good.

Stay tuned for Part III

#goodfriday #GoodFriday2025 #easterfriday #JubileeYear2025 #PilgrimsOfHope #SpesNonConfundit #HopeDoesNotDisappoint #FaithJourney #faith #faithoverfear #FaithAndHope