Lenten Devotionals fomr our DS's wife Robbie Craker

Today in my reading, Father Fenelon speaks of the “cross of inner dryness, and that we may undergo the purification of clinging to Him without any sensible consolation.”

Feelings don’t always speak the truth do they? We want to feel the presence of God. We want to know He is near and we expect that knowing to show up as a feeling. It doesn’t always work that way, does it?

It’s interesting to me that when I feel the presence of God most is when I’m in corporate worship. This past Sunday we were in a simple worship service; just a small gathering of people led by a man who isn’t a pastor. We sang some simple songs and read the scriptures. It was actually when the scripture was being read aloud that I felt the presence of God. He was speaking to me. This underlines for me the importance of staying in the Word.

Fenelon goes on to say, “It will not do to pay Him visits, as we discharge a debt due to society; we must abide with Him…as you would have your child be with you, and then you will never be weary.”

So I must stay in the Word and in communion through prayer with Him. I cling to the cross wherever it may take me.

Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, "The nation's leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make the Son of Man suffer terribly. He will be rejected and killed, but three days later he will rise to life." Then Jesus explained clearly what he meant.

Peter took Jesus aside and told him to stop talking like that. But when Jesus turned and saw the disciples, he corrected Peter. He said to him, "Satan, get away from me! You are thinking like everyone else and not like God."

Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said:

If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?

Don't be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. –Mark 8:31-38 (CEV)

Father, today we continue to cling to the cross. We want to be purified. We want to be on the way with You wherever that way may take us. Amen