Today we begin the sacred Triduum. Traditionally this day was called “Spy Wednesday” because it was on this Wednesday before the crucifixion that Judas conspired to hand Jesus over. And you know what Judas asked the chief priests, “What will you give me?” Oh.My.Goodness y’all…all the conviction right?! Those five simple words are destructive with a capital “D.” In the traditional readings for today, the Tract[note]Tract[/note] is taken from Psalm 102: 2-5, 14, “For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.” And this begs us to ask the question, “Is it worth it?” Our days are like smoke and what are we concerned with? What we can get? At what cost? Broken friendship? Troubled soul? Lost peace? An earthly treasure that moths can destroy? Again, if we’re looking for someone to emulate in our Daily Devotions for Lent, Judas is not the guy.
Today is the day to pour yourself out for others. Don’t seek out what you can get. Intentionally seek out what you can give. A drink of water to a thirsty toddler? A welcome home hug to a tired man? A listening ear to an emotional teen? Happy mail to a friend? A smile to the grocery store cashier? A place to merge to the car in front of you? A visit to a lonely neighbor? A meal to a new momma? Patience to the telemarketer? A wave in the school pick up line? A “thank you” to your pastor? A “Hi Grandma” phone call? You get the point. Opportunities to pour ourselves out abound in our daily life and almost all of them do not cost a cent.
This morning, write a list of all the opportunities you foresee today to give yourself and then check them off as you do! All the smiles and hearts girls…today is a good day!
Jenny,
Have you heard that Wednesday is also called Silent Wednesday? In the Word Among Us, it says:
This comes from the fact that the Gospels don’t tell us what Jesus was doing on Wednesday of Holy Week. He was “silent” on that day. Some speculate that after journeying to Jerusalem and spending 2 days in disputes with the authorities, Jesus rested on Wednesday with his close friends in Bethany.
Cool, huh? I’ve never heard this before. Always something to learn about our beautiful faith!
So sorry this is such a late response. I have not heard that and I very much appreciate your sharing. I love that our faith is so rich and deep that we will never exhaust the treasure to be found and embraced.
There are days, I’m so touched by the things you post I wish I could just reach out and give you a hug and say thank you for thinking of me today. Have a Blessed Wednesday. Regina
Oh thank you Regina. That’s so sweet.