Holy Week

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Holy Week/Passion week. It starts on the Sunday before Easter, and ends on Easter Sunday. This is the last week of Lent.

When I decided to fast from something for Lent, in my heart I just wanted to see if I could even do it. You see, I can't recall ever fasting from anything. Ever. Like in my entire life ever. I always admired friends who were Catholic that fasted during Lent. I thought it was just so awesome to be willing to give up something in honor of the Lord. Little did I know then how much of a blessing this would bring me over the past few weeks.

I gave up all desserts and sweets. That's right, no candy, no chocolate, no jolly ranchers, no pudding snack, not even one single girl scout cookie (and that's been hard seeing as how the two boxes I bought have been staring right back at me every single time I open the pantry). I have not touched one sweet item since before February 13th.

At first it was hard. Really hard. Valentines Day was probably the hardest week of all with candy and chocolates floating around everywhere. But after weeks passed it was a little easier. You see, every time I craved a sweet, I would immediately ask God for His help and will power to resist the temptation. And....He did help me.

He helped me the same way all those years ago He saved us all from death. This week marks the week leading up to Jesus's betrayal and death on the Cross. Its a very sad week in one sense. Jesus was crucified in the most horrific way possible being nailed to a cross. He was mocked. He was laughed at. He was stoned. He was beaten. He was betrayed. And then He died.

But in another sense, this is a perfectly beautiful and joyful week. He rose from the grave after 3 days. He took upon my sins so that I am justified in Him and likewise will live eternally. He defeated death. He completed God's plan and purpose. He died for my salvation. Pure Joy.

Jesus is the ultimate gift. Take time this week to reflect on what He did for you in that tomb.