Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. Exalted in the nations, Exalted in the earth!”

Jesus, please speak to me about this verse.
Response received:
In your world, people trust in their strength more than in my strength. They try to accomplish many things with the power of their thighs, with the power of their arms, with the power of their heads. Yet, as Proverb 3:5-6 says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones”.
It is only when you stop doing that you can listen, as it was the case in the story of Mary and Martha (see Luke 10:38-42). You can learn to listen to my voice through friends, through nature, through Scriptures, through the still small voice in your heart. There are many ways I want to speak to people, but the channels of communication are so often cluttered with junk that people don’t have much time to recognize my voice, even for those who claim to be my sheep. Take the time to remember that my thoughts are not your thoughts, and that your ways are not my ways. Stop judging everything that you see, and begin to suspend your judgement, coming to me for discernment.
By stopping, by learning to be still, you will become aware of the battles that take place within you, and as you look up to me, as you ask for answers, I will begin to show you my love and how I am exalted in the nations, exalted in the earth. The Father has given me the nations as my inheritance, as I came to sat at his right hand after my resurrection (see Psalm 2:8). As you become aware, at a practical level, that I have received dominion over the earth, ask me questions and I will answer. I will not always answer in the way you want, but I will always answer. Seek me and you will find me. Knock at the door and I will open to you. In fact, I am knocking at the door of the heart of many, and wait for them to open so that I can come in their lives and meet them.
The Sabbath was established by the Father as a time of encounter, encounter with your neighbor, encounter with us. When people don’t stop, they are like blind animals running to their own destruction (in Hebrew, the verb ’Shabbat’ simply means ‘to stop’). They put a lot of efforts for so little results. As Solomon said, “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Ps 127:1-2).
We are not here to paralyze people, but to help them realize that we know better, that we always want to guide on the path of peace and of pure love. This was the path that I showed on earth, when I came. It is the path I showed to the Twelve, it is still the path that I show to my disciples today. The biggest hindrance to listening to me is the busyness of your life, the noise that often quiet my voice. Learn to bring your desires to me, so that you discern whether they come from us or not, whether they will bring good fruits or bad fruits. It is true, when you are not used to do that, it will take time. That is why stopping, being still, will be a key step in your learning to be with me, to let me dwell in you and you in me. We really want to guide toward happiness and joy, a real happiness that the world cannot give or steal. Yet, the first step is often for you to stop the many plans that run in your head and that flow through your mouth and hands.
As you learn to really stop, to be still, you become aware of what is going on in you and around you, and you can stop being a blind fool. As you learn to stop and lift up your eyes toward us, you can realize first and foremost that we love you, that we delight in you. Not only does the Father love you tenderly, but he sent me to lead you to His pasture, to receive fully eternal life, a life that flows in you and through you to eternity. 
As you stop, ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit, so that you can say with peace and joy: ‘Abba, daddy, Father’ to the Father of light, to the Father of love. Are there things in your life that displease us? Yes. Are there changes that we want to lead you to make? Yes. Yet, remember that you have to simply say you are sorry for the wrong things you are aware of, to be willing to receive guidance from us and to follow me, and we will guide you toward the path of eternal life. You cannot catch eternal life like a fowler catches a bird, you can only receive it as you enter on my path of life, as you learn to follow me on the path of true love.
Some trust in chariots, in tanks, in cars, in bank accounts, in belongings, but we invite you to trust in the name of God. We want you to learn that as long as you are not filled with our love, you will not be able to sow many seeds of love in this world. Our love can become your food, the joy of fellowship with us. I gave my life for you, to release you from your sins, and I invite you to remember that, as a way for you to remember my real love for you.

As you stop focusing on your problems, you will become open to hear our solutions. As you stop running without discernment, I can lead you to walk in paths of righteousness. As you stop seeking acceptance and recognition from the world, we want to fill you with the Holy Spirit that speaks God’s love to your heart. As you stop imagining that you are at the center of the world, we will show you how our love is at the center of the Father’s creation.
As the sons of Korah wrote: Be still and know that I am God. Exalted in the nations, Exalted in the earth!”

Share the Good News Everywhere (Mark 16:9-20)

Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved. After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. They went away and told it to the rest. They didn’t believe them, either.

Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn’t believe those who had seen him after he had risen. (16:9-14)

It was hard, for my disciples, to accept my resurrection. I decided to appear to different persons progressively. I did appear to Mary Magdalene, and to two disciples on their way to Emmaus. Yet, this was not enough for the twelve. I did not want to come first to the twelve, but rather letting them hear testimonies from others first. In this way, they had to discern for themselves, and it was a preparation for what would become their ministry. 

Because they struggled to accept that I was resurrected, they could later understand how people would struggle with this simple fact of my resurrection, as they would preach the Good News in the world. They would better understand the need for signs to support their message, as a manifestation of the Father’s love. 

He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. (16:15-16)

The Good News is that death is conquered, that I came to deliver people from sin and its consequence - eternal death. The key for welcoming this good news is to believe in me, to listen to me and to follow me. A consequence of listening to me and following me, is that you will be baptized as I was baptized. I showed the way to follow. I am the way to follow. If people don’t trust me and don’t learn to follow me, through the Holy Spirit speaking in their hearts, then they will be condemned. I have opened the way to eternal life, and if you follow me on the narrow path of faithful love, you will find life. Life is in me and in the Father, eternal life is in us. I am the way, the life and the truth, apart from me there is no eternal life. When people reject me, they reject eternal life and receive the consequence of this rejection, which is that they will not participate into our eternal life and will reap the consequence: condemnation and death. Death has reigned from Adam until my coming. I came to offer a way out of this path of condemnation and death, through my blood and sacrifice. I offered my life, although death could not hold me because I had not sinned, it had no right on me, and ultimately - after three days - death had to release me. The Spirit of holiness vindicated me, and wants to enable all my disciples to welcome this eternal life and be saved from sin and death. 

Baptism is not a magical step, that grants eternal life through specific words pronounced or specific gestures. Baptism is to be an expression of your faith and trust in me, and when it is the case, you will experience the deliverance promised, you will welcome through the Holy Spirit the first fruits of eternal life. 

These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (16:17-18)

The two key signs that will accompany my disciples will be their ability to cast out demons and to heal the sick, as it was the case during my ministry on earth and the ministry of the twelve. Other miracles will also happen, like speaking in new languages or being protected from poison. My disciples will be protected, but not in the sense that some imagine. It is not about being immortal in this world, it is rather about showing that my love is real. Many of my disciples will still see physical death, although this will be a door that leads to eternal life. When Paul was bitten by a serpent, as people could see that he did not die, it was a sign of divine favor that helped him to preach the good news to the inhabitants of the island where he was (see Acts 28). 

Speaking in new languages can help people to share my message to the world, in specific situations where it is needed, like at the time of Pentecost (see Acts 2). 

Casting out demons is of major importance in your world, as people often discard this as a practice of a past age. You don’t need to shout or impress people, what is needed is a real communion with me and the aptitude to follow my guidance in order to cast out impure spirits. Remember that your world, even if it looks different with technology and science, is the same as it was during my life on earth. Impure spirits continue to afflict and oppress people. 

Through my presence in my disciples, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to speak to you and to guide you on how to cast out evil spirit. The key element is your intimacy with me, as you learn to follow my guidance. You will then see impure spirits leave, when you command them in my name. They will leave the dear children of the Father that are oppressed. This is how Mary Magdalene was delivered, this is how many in your world need to be set free. In the same way, by following my guidance you will be able to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. 

Don’t forget that the good news is intimately related to casting out demons and healing people. When people are delivered or healed, invite them to welcome me as their Lord and Savior, so that I can keep them free from what afflicted them. In all this, the key is to let me guide you, I am your good shepherd. By the results you see, you will recognize if it is only your ideas or if it is really us that guide you. A tree is recognized by its fruits, and a good tree produces good fruits. 

For centuries, so many who come to my teachings have lost this faith and aptitude to heal and cast out demons. Yet, it was the way for my disciples then, and should still be their way today. Remember that love is the key, a real intimacy and loving relationship with me, as well as learning to love your neighbor. It is very practical and simple. As you develop this real intimacy with me, these gifts will come in your life, as you follow my guidance. I am alive and well, and through the power of the Holy Spirit I can guide all my disciples throughout the world. Do not focus on the lack of miracles in your life, but focus rather on developing a real intimacy with me, so that you learn to love as I loved, and see my love flow through you like rivers of living water. Then you will see people delivered and healed, then you will see my Good News spreading through you to many. 

So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen. (16:19-20)

As you learn to be my disciple, you will also see how my word in you will be accompanied by the signs mentioned. Don’t forget, the written words that you have in the Gospels need to become alive in you through the Holy Spirit, in order to see the transforming power of the Good News in you and through you. The teachings of the Bible speak about me, and invite you to a living relationship with me. 

Ask the Heavenly Father to give you the Holy Spirit, so that our love is poured into your heart. If imperfect human parents know how to give good things to their children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. You will then experience my presence and learn to recognize my voice, as a sheep recognizes the voice of his good shepherd. You will then see how my love can flow through you and bless many. 

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Through me the world was created. Through me each human can receive eternal life. Enter into the kingdom of the Father. Enter in my path of pure love. Shine as a light for this world, through the powerful love of the Holy Spirit. 

Welcoming Victory Over Death (Mark 16:1-8)

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him. Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.

Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed. He said to them, “Don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen. He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid him! But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he said to you.’” (16:1-7)

These women were coming to honor me, to honor the devotion they showed to me during my life. They had no hope left, yet the greatest of my miracles was there. My body had died, yet my spirit was well and alive, and the Father resurrected my body, through the power of the Spirit of holiness.

Nothing is impossible with the Father, and with the Spirit we proved that sin and death were conquered, my body was resurrected. Death could not hold me, because it had no right on me, no sin was found in me. The devil thought he had won the battle, while it was its defeat. Death has lost its sting, and sin is no more the master of humanity. This victory is not for me only, but is to be shared with all my disciples. 

Angels reminded my words to these dear women, to tell Peter and my other disciples that I would be in Galilee. Where they saw me first, in Galilee, they would see me again. Fellowship with me was not destroyed but would be renewed. My words did not die on the cross, they went through my physical death and prepared for my resurrection. 

They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid. (16:8)

Like many, when they faced the astonishing news of my resurrection, they did not believe and became frightened. Their hope was crushed, and even angels did not convince them but only frightened them. I had to appear to Mary Magdalene, to speak with her, and then she went to share with the others. 

Many in your world are focusing on human power, and have a hard time realizing that the Father is not limited in the way humans are limited. So many things, that are impossible with men, become possible with God. Have faith in me, I have conquered sin and death. Follow me and let me extend the domain of your possibilities as you remain in me and as my love remains in you. 

During my life, through my communion with the Father, I showed His power over diseases and impure spirits, and ultimately over death. Through my resurrection, I opened fully the path for my disciples, so that they could follow me and welcome the same power of life and love. 

Yet, today you have many who have the form of Christianity without its power or purity. They claim with their mouth that they are my disciples, while their hearts are far from me. You cannot cheat me or the Father, you cannot deceive us. Either you are with me, and you learn to listen to my voice and follow me, or you have your own plans and goals for your life, and at best you come to me with the hope that I will fix the problems in your plans. Resurrection is not for the hypocrites who show a Christian face to hide a selfish heart. Resurrection is for my humble disciples, who are learning from me and who follow me with faith, hope and love. Resurrection is for the ones who learn with me what love is, love for God and love for your neighbor. 

I want to bring life to my whole church, to revive it, to resurrect it with my love. All those who learn to let my life and my love rule in their heart will experience the joy of fellowship with me. Where two or there are together in my name, I am in the midst of them. I will speak with them and guide them. A sign that they are my disciples is that they will do what I did. They will even do greater things, they will walk with the Holy Spirit and He will teach them. As you learn to let my love dwell in you, as you remain in me, ask in my name and you will receive. In this way, the Father will be glorified. You will bring many fruits to His glory and this will be the clear demonstration that you are indeed my disciples. 

I have overcome death, I am the way the truth and the life. Come and follow me. 

Sowing Seeds of Love and Compassion (Mark 15:42-47)

Joseph of Arimathea Buries Jesus

When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate marveled if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long. When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid. (15:42-47)

There was not much glory in this gesture. It was a humble gesture of compassion. Joseph of Arimathea was looking for God’s kingdom, and was touched by my teaching. He became one of my disciples, although not openly during my life. Yet, even if he did not speak openly before, he was bold enough to ask for my body and for burying me. He had nothing to gain from this action. It was not self-centered. He was manifesting love and compassion for me, even if he did not believe yet that I would resurrect. He put me in the tomb which was supposed to become his tomb. He was burying hope, and yet this hope would resurrect. He was giving me his burial place, yet he would soon receive through me eternal life. 

Joseph knew that his action would attract the scorn of many of the members of the council, yet he took the risk and asked Pilate for the body. He did not look at how people would consider him, but he let his love for me and for my message guide his actions. The day he did this, he needed courage and humility. After my resurrection, his action attracted much respect and esteem from the growing community of my disciples. Today, his name has become respected and esteemed in many countries of the world. The one who sows with tears will reap with joy. If you learn to follow the direction of my love, even when it is painful and when it attracts shame, you will reap fruits of honor and glory. It is very important to distinguish the glory of men and the glory of God. When you act for the glory of God, sometimes you will go through pains and humiliations, but in the long run you will receive the glory of God, and for some like Joseph even the honor of men. 

The one who honors me before men, I will honor before my Father and the holy angels. The one who rejects me before men, I will reject. 

A simple action like Joseph’s compassionate act for my burial, became the most renowned act of his  whole life. In the same way, remember that what will be remembered of you is not easy to know in advance. The best you can do is to sow with me love and compassion in this world, and you will reap a harvest of blessings for you and for others. This is a key feature of the kingdom of heaven. Sowing even a tiny grain of mustard seed of faith and obedient love can bring many fruits. 

His Sacrifice Opened the Way to the Father (Mark 15:33-41)

When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (15:33-34)

It was a painful hour, it was a dark hour, yet the Father never abandoned me, even in the middle of this darkness. Do not forget that in the temple, the place where the Father would speak was behind the veil, in the Holy of Holies, the most sacred place in the temple, and there was no light that penetrated this part. The darkest part of the temple where the place where God’s presence was the strongest. We would speak to the high priest there, in the midst of this darkness. 

Do not confuse physical darkness and spiritual darkness. If there was physical darkness at the moment of my death, it was never a separation of the Father. 

Did I suffer heavily, yes. Did if feel alone, yes. Did I believe that I was alone: NO. When I cried out, I could completely embody the prayer and prophecy that David wrote in Psalm 22. I did suffer and felt forsaken. Yet, in the midst of it the presence of the Father was very strong. Through my sacrifice I carried the sin of the world, something that would open the doors of heaven. I offered the perfect sacrifice, like a spotless lamb. I was the perfect sacrifice, and also the high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. 

Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” One ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down.” (15:35-36)

People continued to mock me up to the last moment, joking about my authority while I was in the midst of the greatest manifestation of this authority. That was the purest expression of my role as Messiah, as the Lamb of God who removes the sin of the world. Often, people don’t understand when you do the will of the Father. Specially if this does not look good in the eyes of the world. Yet, it is not what looks good that transforms the world. We don’t seek impressive actions but heart obedience. My acceptance and obedience to the Father, even on the cross, is a key part of the path that I opened for my disciples. Listening to us and following our direction is the foundation of discipleship. Reading the accounts of my life and the other books in the Scripture are a key part in learning to recognize our voice and to listen to me. Through the Holy Spirit we want you to develop this living fellowship with us, so that you will be able to walk with me, to talk with me, to live in me and I in you. In this way, you will be able to discern what we want you to do, and to distinguish clearly the expectations of the world from our expectations. You cannot follow both God and the world, you have to choose. Sometimes, even when you do our will, specially when you do our will, the world will mock you and try to pull you away from our path of love. 

Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (15:37-39)

As I gave up the Spirit, as I died on the cross, the Father broke the wall of division, the separation between Him and the world. Sin had created a wall between us and humanity, from Adam and Eve to my death on the cross. Through my perfect sacrifice, this veil of separation was torn from top to bottom. The Father opened through me the Way to His love. Through my death on the cross, I could attract all to me, all those who wanted to come to God. Through my sacrifice, they would receive forgiveness for their sins, so that they could hear again God speak to them and follow my path to the Father. They could receive eternal life through me, and welcome the truth that by trusting in me, by trusting my guidance, by following me they were forgiven. I am really the way to the Father, the door to eternal life, the truth of God’s love for the world. 

Even the separation between Jews and Gentiles would be torn down. This Gentile centurion could witness that I was the Son of God. I came for this purpose, for destroying the wall between God and humanity, and the wall between humans. The first testimony of my victorious sacrifice was from a Gentile. I did not come only for my people, Israel, but I came also for my other sheep, for the Gentiles. I came for all humanity, to open a path of God’s love to all those would would believe in me, who would trust in me and follow me. Whoever believes in me has eternal life, but whoever does not obey me - who does not follow me - will not see life and will not receive forgiveness of sins, the wrath of God will remain on him. 

There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and served him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. (15:40-41)

Not many of the twelve were at the foot of the cross. There was a non-Jew, a centurion who confessed that I was the Son of God. There were also Jewish women, who were my disciples. They were with me up to the end, and would accompany me even for my burial, and become the first witnesses of my resurrection. They followed me, served me, and were at my side when I breathed my last on the cross. 

Like these women, will you stay with me when things get tough, will you accept that being a Christian does not always look impressive? It is easy to profess your faith in me when everyone around you is saying the same. It is something else when the others are indifferent, mock my message or become violent. What will you do? Have you learned to remain with me, to choose my love and not the approval of the world? When you do so, my blood will cover your sins and by trusting in me you learn to walk in the path of righteousness. The veil of separation is then torn from top to bottom and the eternal life of God will flow in you. 

God’s Love Overcomes Suffering and Mockery (Mark 15:21-32)

They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross. They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, “The place of a skull.” They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it. (15:21-23)

I was so weak, after being flogged and beaten, that I could not bear the cross alone. Simon of Cyrene came and carried it with me. Even me, the Son of God, I needed help in this time of pain. The Father sent to me Simon, who helped me. I knew what the Father wanted me to do, it is just that I needed some help to finish His work, and He gave me a helper. 

In the same way, you will have your moments of pain and weakness, and you will need help. Don’t be so proud to deny help, but ask us to provide the help you need, with faith and humility. As you continue on the path of our love, as your faith is not only an abstract idea but a humble obedience to my loving direction, we will be with you. Sometimes, we will send angels, like the angel the Father sent to support me during the evening at Gethsemane. Sometimes we will send persons like Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross when I could no more carry. Whatever the weight you carry, as you follow my voice the Father will give you the strength and help to succeed. Sometimes, this success will look like a failure in the eyes of the world, but in the end love will prevail. 

The place where I was crucified was the place of the skull, where death was supposed to take place. They offered me wine to numb my senses and diminish the suffering, but I did not take it. I wanted to be conscious and aware to remain in the path of my Father up to the end. I knew that I still had words to say, a path to open, and I needed to be fully awake. I needed all my energy to remain in the Father and the Father in me. Yes, the Father did not abandon me, he continued to shepherd me, so that even in this dark valley of pain I did not fear evil because He was with me. I was there to open a path that my disciples could follow after me. 

Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take. It was the third hour, and they crucified him. The superscription of his accusation was written over him, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (15:24-26)

The Father had prepared everything, for the path of love to be opened, for the power of death to be crushed. This was of such importance that he gave details of what would happen already in the time of David, a thousand years before, that you can read about in Psalm 22. The soldiers considered me as an object, and they cast lots to decide who would take my humble garments. In the midst of this time of weakness and shame, they could still sense the perfume that had been poured on me by this dear woman. In my humiliation, this perfume of dignity was still with me and I could smell it. They put a sign on the cross, stating that I was the king of the Jews. Pilate did it partly because he wanted to shame those who dared to force him to crucify me, partly because he saw in me a kingly authority that he had never seen before. Even in the middle of this torment, the Father was using everything to glorify His name, to prepare and open the path of life to many. 

 With him they crucified two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left. The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “He was numbered with transgressors.” (15:27-28)

I was arrested as if I were a robber, and I was crucified between two robbers. One robber despised me, the other implored for my help. One despaired and mocked, the other believed that my kingdom was not from this world and asked for mercy. Because of his faith he joined me in heaven just after our death. I knew what was happening and I was not losing sight on the Father, so that all my words would carry hope and life, so that all my gestures would prepare for the coming victory to spread in many hearts. 

Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” Likewise, also the chief priests mocking among themselves with the scribes said, “He saved others. He can’t save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him.” Those who were crucified with him also insulted him. (15:29-32)

For those who despised me, this was a time for bragging and mockery. That was their moment of superficial victory. Yet, their very words would be come their shame. I did not fight to vindicate my life, the Father fought for me. Their very words of blaspheme prepared the Father to show his glory at the resurrection, three days later. I was the temple where the Father dwelt, and not in a building of stone. I was the one to be rebuild in three days. For this to happen, the path was not a path of self-centeredness in which I would impress people by coming down from the cross. This cross was too important, I needed to be lifted up so that I could later attract all to me. This was my ultimate pulpit, from which the Father wanted me to preach my most important message, I was not going to leave it before the message of the Father’s love would be delivered fully. I did not let the insults and mockery creep into my heart, it was too important a moment. The Father was in me, as I was in him. 

I came to show the path, to be the way, so that others would find peace even in the midst of atrocious pain. If I could remain in the Father, you will be able to remain in me and I in you whatever you go through. You will be able to see my glory even if pain and shame surrounds you and try to stone every hope in you. This was the case for Stephen and for many of the dear children of the Father who are killed for their trust in me. This is not only an instance of the past, but a reality for today. Learn to humbly remain in me and I in you, so that no pain or shame will gain victory. I am interceding for each of the dear ones of the Father, particularly when their crosses are too heavy, when the violence and shame crushes them. 

I did not come to bring a message of violence and hatred, I came to bring the message of the Father’s love. This message means that you learn to love and to give your life for those you love. This message needed to be clear, and the cross made it clear. Nothing will separate you from our love, even a cross, and my victory is not reached in pride and harshness but in humility and faith. The power of my love will still shake and overturn empires, we simply need little ones to let this love shine in their hearts. 

Are you ready to learn to listen to my voice, to learn to know me and to follow me, even when shame is poured on you? Are you ready for both glory and suffering? I will never leave you. Do you want to let go of your unreal ideas about an easy path to heaven, and welcome the real path of love? If they persecuted the master, they will also persecute my disciples. If they remembered my words and actions, they will also remember yours. If you want eternal life, listen to me and let me guide you in our tender love. 

Do not Let Mockery Crush Our Love in You (Mark 15:16-20)

The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. When they had mocked him, they took the purple off of him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him. (15:16-20) 

I was king, I came to become the king of king. As the Messiah, I was to become king. Yet, the way I was to become king was through suffering and sacrifice. So many in your world want authority, yet so few are ready for sacrifice. I did not come on earth for me, but for the many that the Father wanted to touch and transform. In the same way, we invite you to learn the path of humility, to deny yourself and take up your cross. When you show the way of love, the powers of darkness resent it and will try to crush you. Yet, learn with me that the more they will try to crush you the more the love of the Father will shine brightly. This is something that the powers of darkness will never really grasp, because they have refused to learn the wisdom of the cross and the power of love. 

As they put the purple cloak on me, as they crowned me with thorns, as they spat on me and insulted me, they tried to remove all dignity from me, to make of me an object of scorn, no more a human. Yet, the Father in me gave me the strength to know that it was a step to go through, a moment of pain for His glory. 

In your world, many suffer, and suffering seems to remove all meaning to who you are or what your purpose on earth is. Yet, this is not true. As you learn to live in me and I in you, as I remained in the Father and the Father remained in me, suffering loses its power of despair, and humiliation loses its sting. Mockery is designed to make you focus on the mockers instead of us. Don’t let it win. Don’t seat on the bench with the mockers, but stand with me in all situations. Sometimes, we will lead you in joyful feasts, to rejoice and to bless many, as it was the case for me at Cana. Sometimes we will lead you to heal and release people from darkness. Sometimes, we will lead you through dark valleys where you see the shadow of death looming around you. In all this, don’t forget that it is by learning to stay with us, to listen to us, to love with us, that you will find the strength and the meaning for all that happens. When your day seems void of meaning, when humiliations try to tear you apart from us, remember that I died for your sins. I came to the cross so that you could remain united to us even in the midst of suffering. I gave you an example, and if I succeeded you will succeed also. 

When they mocked me, putting on me this purple cloak and this crown of pain, I refused to focus on them, I kept my heart focused on the Father. I knew that this would end, that it was a moment. I spoke to the Father in my heart, I listened to his words and received his peace in the midst of the pain. He did not leave me, His love did not depart from me, he gave me the food I needed to go through this dark moment. I did not stumble, I did not rebel against this, I just went through like a lamb goes to the slaughter. 

The ability to keep our peace in the midst of trials is extremely important. Learn this intimacy with us when you are doing well, and learn that this intimacy will not disappear when you need us the most, but that instead I will be at your side, especially when you are humiliated for my name. To show love when you are humiliated, to keep peace when the whirlwind of pain tries to uproot you from me, requires that you learn to walk by faith and not by sight. It is only through the strength that you will receive from us that you will be able to stand, don’t forget that. You are not delivered from sin and pain by your own strength but by our grace flowing in you, through your faith and faithfulness. Learn to recognize my presence in you, learn to welcome always more fully the Holy Spirit in you, so that whatever the pain, whatever the challenge, the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you the words to say. With the Father, he helped me keep the direction. In my case the Father asked me not to speak and to simply go through this day of darkness and blood, this day of pain and humiliations. 

In all my life, I did not do anything that my disciples would not be able to do after me, even on this day. I did not rely on a strength that would be beyond what the disciples could access.  

The key for you is to learn to develop your intimacy with us, to let our love flow and rule in you, so that nothing will be able to separate you from our love, no power or domination will be able to tear you apart from us. If I could go through humiliation and receive the crown of life, you will also be able to receive this crown of eternal life. Like Steven, when he was stoned to death, you will be able to keep your heart in me and your eyes will see our love up to your last breath. 

I have gained the victory against darkness, and by remaining in me and I in you, you will also experience my victory in your life, nothing will be able to separate you from God. That was true for me with the Father in this darkest day of my life, that will be true for you in the darkest days of your life. Learn to welcome our love fully, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, and you will discover that our love is able to carry you even through pain and humiliation, to the glory of the Father. 

Standing with Jesus, or following the Crowd? (Mark 15:1-15)

Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

He answered, “So you say.”

The chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!”

But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled. (15:1-5)

Pilate was amazed at the fact that I did not even try to defend myself. My kingdom was not from this world, yet he could perceive that I had an authority he had never seen in the persons he judged. I did not try to impress him, but he clearly felt my authority and royalty. You can read more about this in the dialogue noted in the gospel of John (John 18:28-19:16). I knew what the Father had told me, that I was going to be crucified. He asked me not to argue in this specific case, which is what I did. I was like a lamb brought to be slaughtered, and I was supposed not to speak much, which is what I did. 

Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him. There was one called Barabbas, bound with his fellow insurgents, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead. (15:6-11)

Pilate clearly understood that the chief priests were envious and that there was not a real reason for me to be condemned, so he tried to appeal to the people, according to the custom he had, for me to be released. Since the chief priests knew about this custom, they had prepared people to shout to release Barabbas instead of me. 

Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

They cried out again, “Crucify him!”

Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?”

But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!”

Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified. (15:12-15)

What was painful for me was to see a crowd ready to shout that I should be crucified. Some of the persons there had seen the miracles I did, some had heard the teachings I gave. I was then handed over to be flogged and crucified. 

Pilate tried what he could to release me, but facing the opposition of the chief priests and the crowd, he decided to hand me over to be killed. You can meditate on Pilate, who did try to stand on my side, but who ultimately decided to please the multitude. In your world, there are many Pilates, who are ready to stand with me up to a certain point, but when pressure increases, they let threats or the desire to please many lead their decisions. 

I did not try to please people, and I knew that this had a cost. For my disciples also, there is a cross to bear, when they stand with me and choose to let my love guide their life, at the cost sometimes of disapproval, threats or violence. What is important is to have not only a superficial relationship with me, like Pilate had, but a real intimacy in which you can hear me speak to you, in which you can hear the Holy Spirit give you words of faith to testify about me. If, like Pilate, you are not used to dialogue with me and to follow me, to meet with me when you read Scriptures, to hear the Holy Spirit teach you through the events of your days, then it will be difficult for you to face the pressure of the crowd. 

If you want an easy path, then you cannot be my disciple. My path of love involves the cross that you have to learn to bear, it involves the learning not to please people first but God first. It involves that you learn to accept not to be popular or praised by men, in order to do what is right, to listen and to obey my love and to embody truth. 

Learn with me to be rooted in our love, in the peace that comes from me. Learn to not only follow my commandments, but to dialogue with me like a friend. Learn to stand calmly with me in front of people who disagree with me. Learn to let the Holy Spirit give you strength and guidance even when you are under pressure. In this way, you will not only be able to have the initial good intentions of Pilate, but you will stand with me whatever the cost, and you will receive the crown of life. Whoever is ashamed of me and my words before men, I will also be ashamed of him when I come in the glory of my Father with the holy angels. Whoever honors me in this world, I will also honor before the Father and the angels. 

Facing Your Failures, Welcoming Forgiveness (Mark 14:66-72)

As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, “You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!”

But he denied it, saying, “I neither know, nor understand what you are saying.” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.

The maid saw him, and began again to tell those who stood by, “This is one of them.” But he again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Peter, “You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” But he began to curse, and to swear, “I don’t know this man of whom you speak!” The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept. (14:66-75)

Don’t be too harsh with Peter, as he went through this shameful moment of his life. He just had lost all hope. He was ready to die with me, yet he needed to be broken in some of his certainties, in his impression that nothing could happen to me. He knew that I was the Messiah, that I was the Son of the Living God, that I had the words of eternal life. Yet, he had a hard time accepting that I could be imprisoned, judged and killed. This was too much for him, this did not make sense. 

He had just tried to fight the soldiers. He had cut the ear of a servant of the high priest, and I told him to drop his sword, to stop fighting in this way. He then stopped fighting in all the other ways. 

He could not understand that I was not defeated, he could not grasp the meaning of the cross yet. He is not the only one, also don’t judge him too harshly. He wanted so much to be with me and to never leave me. Yet, he did not accept that the journey involved such suffering, that I could be crucified. 

He grew up with the hope to see the Messiah come, to see him reclaim the throne of David, to reestablish the glorious Jewish nation in its autonomy and faithfulness to God. That was the dream he grew up with, that was the hope he carried in his heart of disciple. How could the Messiah suffer, how could he die? That was not possible for him, that was not thinkable. To be honest, it was already very hard for me to accept this path, to go through this suffering and death. So, please, don’t be too harsh with Peter. There are still so many Peters on this earth that I want to call, who need to have their eyes opened to the power of the cross, to the beauty of my sacrifice. 

When he dropped his sword, all his hopes dropped to the floor, he then let despair invade his heart, and saying the truth was not even important anymore for him, he felt rejected by me, lost in his incomprehension. This was a very important moment for him. He had such a strong will, and this strong will still needed to be shaped by the cross, by the sacrifice of love. 

So many Peters in your world try to honor me with a sword. They try to please me with their aggressive words, and so few are ready for the sacrifice of love, for the obedience of the sheep. This is this obedience that needed to take shape in Peter, an obedience of love that accepted new ways of our grace. So often, people think that they have figured me out, that they ‘know it all,’ that they can imitate me and do ministry without listening to me every day. This is both foolish and proud, naive and harmful. The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear its voice. It is so for every child of God who is moved by our Spirit, who listens to us. Don’t think that it is the Holy Spirit that moves you, when you follow your impulsions without intimacy with me. I am your good shepherd, and I want you to learn to listen to my voice, to dialogue with me when you read Scriptures, to let the Holy Spirit fill you with our loving presence. I want you to learn to be shaped by my love, to adapt the plans of your days to my tender presence, to seek me and to welcome me as the Lord of your days, so that you can become my friend, so that I can become your friend. 

People on earth need to learn what friendship is, like a dancer needs to learn the steps. I came to teach you the steps, and you have to follow me and let me guide you in the midst of your days, so that you learn to dance the dance of our love, the dance of divine peace. Don’t think that you can guess which fight to fight and when not to fight, you need our guidance to discern such things, you need to accept that sometimes it does not fit the idea you had of my love. This was the case for Peter, he could not fathom how the cross could be the Father’s way for me. His certainties needed to be broken so that the perfume of my love could spread deeper in his heart, so that the courage of our love could lead him to accept suffering. 

I knew that when the shepherd would be struck, the sheep would be scattered. I knew that Satan would do all he could to destroy Peter, yet I interceded for him and I received the assurance from the Father that Peter’s denials would not be the end, that despair would not win the final battle, that it would be a key step but not the final one for Peter. 

When in your life you did not understand, when you fail to do what I asked you to do, don’t be too harsh with yourself, don’t condemn yourself. I taught to forgive, and sometimes you have to forgive yourself. The important part is, when you have failed and the weight of guilt crushes you, to come to me and to ask simply for my forgiveness, to listen to my love and let me guide you out of the trap of the fowler. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, learn from your failures, as Peter would later learn from his failure. Learn the deeper meaning of our grace, the power of forgiveness. Forgive yourself and come back to my school of true love. Renounce any false humility, that can hide your unforgiveness like a cloak hides a wound. Welcome tenderness and mercy, welcome the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Accept that you need help, that you still need to learn from me. Come to me and stop judging yourself and others. You have not been created to judge but to love. You have not been created to crush but to build. 

Remember Peter. Remember that I did not judge him harshly, even when he condemned himself and wept bitter tears of despair. I never stopped to love Peter, and there are many Peters in your world who still have to forgive themselves, who have to accept that they did not understand the meaning of my cross, who struggle to come back to me. Do not be harsh with them, do not judge them, simply invite them to taste again of my merciful grace, invite the lost sheep to the shepherd. In doing so, you will bring much joy and peace, and you will share my joy to see a lost sheep find again the path of my love. 

Human Failure and Spiritual Success (Mark 14:53-65)

They led Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with him.

Peter had followed him from a distance, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn’t agree with each other. Some stood up, and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” Even so, their testimony did not agree. (14:53-59)

When they arrested me, they had no specific plan concerning how to condemn me. They thought that it would be easy, yet it was not. They tried to use false witnesses, but the problem was that there were people like Nicodemus, who were secretly my disciples, who would not have accepted evident lies, or incoherent and contradictory testimonies. I knew that I was challenging their whole understanding of who God is. I have always known the Father, and they did not know Him. What they did know was a set of verses and traditional practices, but they did not have this intimacy with the Father that I had. They were trying to find words from my Father to condemn me, and of course they could find none. 

The high priest stood up in the middle, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?” But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

Jesus said, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.” (14:60-62)

Then, realizing that they had no basis for condemning me. The closest they had was the idea that I was blaspheming God, although it was a fully mistaken idea. They did not know the Father, yet they played the role of those discerning if I was honoring the Father or not. When the high priest asked his question, he intentionally mixed two parts: first the affirmation that I was the Christ - something that would not have been concerned blasphemous, and the second part, confirming that I am the Son of God. I had already shared with them that the Scripture would not condemn me for saying that I am the Son of God (see John 10:34-38, Ps 82:6), but would instead allow me to say so. Yet, I also knew the plan of the Father, His plan that would lead me to the cross. I spoke to them plainly, stating that I would be at the right hand of the Father, coming on the clouds of the sky. I knew that they could use this statement to condemn me, and in some ways I gave them the tools to do so. I never sought death, and for people to think that I committed a suicide would be greatly mistaken, it would be one of the lies of the devil. I did not seek death, but I accepted the cost of confessing the truth. 

The high priest tore his clothes, and said, “What further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” They all condemned him to be worthy of death. Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with fists, and to tell him, “Prophesy!” The officers struck him with the palms of their hands. (14:63-65)

In all that, they had the impression that they were in control, while it was the Father who was in control. The high priest did all he could to convince the members of the Sanhedrin, even tearing his garments. They then condemned me to death for blasphemy. In order to destroy me, they started by humiliating me and striking me. The path to the painful cross was beginning, and I knew fully well what was going to happen. 

In all this, I had accepted the Father’s path, I had accepted to be killed for my confession of my true identity. The time had come for me to proclaim in front of my enemies the truth that was in me and that I was representing. I am the Messiah - the Christ, and the Son of God. I showed the way to the Father, I am the way to the Father, yet I had to show what would become the Father’s greatest victory, to have a human freed from the power of sin and death. I came for that, for this deliverance from sin, suffering and death. Yet, for this deliverance to come, I had to accept that the sin of men would first weigh me down and crush me, leading me to death on a cross. 

The wisdom of God is sometimes foolishness for men, because men focus on a very narrow part of reality, a limited part of their visible world. Yet God’s creation encompasses angels, the visible and invisible world, the heaven and the earth. What is logical and meaningful in God’s creation is not always meaningful in the limits of human visible realities. The path to the cross was a complete failure in the eyes of men, and yet it would become the greatest victory in the eyes of my Father. Men consider physical death as the ultimate failure, and they do all they can to avoid it. My Father considers spiritual death as the ultimate failure, and we do all we can to avoid it, through those who follow me. I came for this purpose, to open the path to eternal life for many, yet this path required for me to go through a shameful physical death. I was ready for that, it was the purpose of my coming, to bring this total victory. 

In your life, it will be good that you distinguish clearly human failure from spiritual failure. Spiritual failure is brought through sin, while human failure happens when a human desire is not successful. You will have to learn that many of the greatest spiritual victories are won in the midst of human failures. It was the case for me, it will be the case for you also. As you learn to develop this intimacy with me, to let the Holy Spirit fully dwell in you, you then become able to grasp like I did that some human failures are indeed very good tools in the hands of God. It is important for you to learn, as you follow me, what Paul taught when he said: all things contribute to the good of those who love God. Think of my apparent failure in front of the Sanhedrin, and remember that suffering can sometimes become a tool in God’s hands. Don’t seek suffering, simply learn to place all you experiences in the hands of the Father and to follow our lead. Learn to accept that our purpose is not to give you an easy earthly life but to spread the love of God in you and through you. Love, pure love, holy love was the foundation of all I did, love for God and love for humanity. Let our love rule in you through the Holy Spirit. Rejoice with us of the treasures of grace that the Father has in store for you, all these good works prepared in advance for you to practice. 

The Power of Love against the Power of the Sword (Mark 14:43-52)

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came—and with him a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely.” When he had come, immediately he came to him, and said, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kissed him. They laid their hands on him, and seized him.  (14:43-46)

Facing adversity is one thing, facing betrayal is different. When Judas betrayed me, he was someone who stayed with me for years, listening to me, eating with me, spending time with me. I did notice his lack of commitment, I did ask the Father why he had led me to take Judas as one of the twelve. In some ways, it was key for me to model the path to God, because you also will face betrayal in your life, and the Father wanted me to show the way in this so painful and difficult domain. Judas did make his choices, and no rationalizing can remove his guilt, that is why I said that it would have been better for him not to be born. He would not be one of these seeds that go deep in the good soil and bring fruit, but the thorns of pride and greed choked my word in him. He even went to betray me with a kiss, the ultimate betrayal. 

But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Jesus answered them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.” (14:48-49)

When Peter saw that, he got burning with anger, took his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest, trying to fight for me. Peter was not a swordsman, and I was so grateful that he did not kill one of the servants, it would have just added to the challenging repentance he would have to go through. I could stop Peter and even heal this cut ear. 

I did not focus on Judas, who had chosen the path of betrayal, but I rather focused and Peter and my other disciples, to allow them to go and be ready for my resurrection. 

When you learn to follow us, when you listen to me and obey my directions, you welcome the truth in you and you become really free. This means that even in painful situations you will experience this freedom, even in prison. No prison cell will be able to capture your heart and spirit, no confinement will be able to snatch you away from my hand or from my Father’s hand. 

They did not surprise me, the Father had prepared me for what Judas would do. Instead of focusing on the painful moment, the Father helped me to see the big picture, to realize that much good would come out of it. The most challenging moment, this night of agonizing prayer at Gethsemane, gave me the renewed confidence and peace that I needed for the coming hours. 

I could even address Judas and those with him in a calm and clear way. They felt all ashamed, because they acted during the night out of fear. In fact, they were fearing me, fearing the impact I could have on a crowd. 

Instead of trying to rally others to fight for me, which I could have done, I simply let my disciples go and flee. I could have asked for angels to come fight for me, but this was not the plan of the Father, he had a better plan, a much better plan. This plan had been evoked already in the Scriptures, in particular through Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant. There is a power of utter surrender to God’s will, that will always amaze the world. 

The world is looking up to the crushing powers, while the Father is showing his simple and creative power. The crushing power, which works with swords and clubs, will not last, the one who lives by the sword will also perish by the sword. The creative power of love, like a little plant that can split a wall as it grows, will simply show its strength through time and will be the one that lasts forever. Eternal life is not related to sword but to love. The way of the sword is to cut down life, the way of divine love is to create life. As you learn to let our love flow in you and through you, as you are strengthened in your identity of a child of the Father, this creative power will radiate in all you are through the Holy Spirit. You will then be able to follow my path, and even face betrayal and adversity with my peace and calm, knowing that beyond all this there is eternal life. Beyond all this the sword will lose and our love will win. That was the case with me, that will be the case for each of my disciples. 

They all left him, and fled. A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself, over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. (14:50-52)

My disciples did not understand what happened. They were ready to fight, but they were not yet ready to surrender with me. For them to learn the value of such surrender, they had first to discover the power of creative love, the power of resurrection. They would learn this key lesson only after my own resurrection. 

In bewilderment and in shock, my dear disciples fled. As they fled, they left me alone. Yet, I was not alone, the Father was still with me. It was them who were now alone, who had lost their fellowship with me and with the Father who was within me.  It was like if they were leaving behind them the mantle of the Father’s grace. One of them even left his linen cloth behind, fleeing naked. 

In your own life, you will sometimes be tempted to leave me behind, to refuse to follow me because you see a valley of dark shadows. If you do so, you will lose your protection, my protection. Like my disciples you will then be alone and go through struggles. The safest place for you is always to follow my loving guidance. Sometimes you will go through challenges, but if you go in response to my direction we will be at your side and give you strength. Even in my arrest and trial, the Father gave me the strength, up to the last minute. It was not easy, it was painful, but think about the many fruits which came out of it, think about the wonders of the Father’s love that sprout out of this dark day. 

There is no greater love than to give your live for those you love. Remember that the creative power of love will ultimately overthrow the destructive power of the sword. This was true in my life, this will be true in your life. Learn well this lesson, and my peace will remain in you even when you face darkness and violence. I have overcome the world and its violence, trust in me and follow me. 

Holding Fast in the Midst of Suffering (Mark 14:32-42)

Jesus Prays at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42)

They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.” (14:32-34)

Although I did know that I was going to be crucified, it was still extremely difficult to prepare for it. My whole body and soul were in torment. I knew that I needed to maintain a strong communion with my Father, despite the coming suffering. 

Remember to practice fellowship and dialogue with us in prayer while things are peaceful around you, so that when there will be torment or suffering we will help you to remain in me and I in you. 

Suffering is often greater when you know in advance what will happen. The Father needed to tell me in advance, so that I could prepare my disciples. Yet, for me it was more painful because my whole being was struggling against this coming death, against the coming wounds and humiliations. 

He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.” (14:35-36)

This was perhaps the most difficult moment of my whole life on earth. The coming suffering was making me lose focus and I was tempted. The only way for me was to speak to the Father, and to find confirmation of His direction in this so difficult moment. I asked Him if there was an alternative road for the Father’s will to be done. 

Remember that I relinquished, during my time on earth, all knowledge related to my divinity. All I learned was through my dialogues with the Father and with the Holy Spirit, through the education of Mary and Joseph, through all the human teachers I had, through the Scriptures. I was showing the way for others to follow, and therefore I did not use any power that my disciples would not have access to. 

Remember that suffering can be like a thick fog, when you don’t see anymore clearly what you know is here, when you can stumble easily because your senses are troubled and inefficient. This was the case for me, and I could only hang to one thing, the direction of my Father. I knew that my vision was blurred, that the coming pains were already overwhelming me, so prayer was the only way for me, for the Father to break this thick fog and help me see through His eyes and receive the confirmation I needed at this moment. 

He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour?Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (14:37-38)

As I had the impression that my Father was more distant, I hoped that my disciples would be at my side through watching and prayer. Yet, they were sound asleep. For me, I could sense the strong temptation to not follow the Father’s direction. My body was screaming that it did not want to go the way I was taking, like an animal who knows that it will be slaughtered and already hears the screams of pain that will come. 

Yet, even my dear Simon was asleep. He was so close to me, and I knew that he would be deeply hurt by his denial, yet he could not watch and pray, he went asleep. I was so sorry for him, to see him slumber and sleep in this so important moment, therefore I prayed and asked my Father to snatch him away from the devil who was weighting on him so strongly in this moment. 

Again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. (14:39)

At that moment, I was stripped from all sense of security, my dear disciples did not manage to stay awake and pray, and my relationship with the Father was weakened through my struggling body and soul. It was a very difficult time for me. I made it just barely. I held to what was the dearest to me, my Father’s love, and the faith that He knew more clearly than I did what was good. This allowed me to go through this major trial, remaining in prayer, and received the confirmation that the Father did not want to change the plan, that the cross was what I needed to face. 

In this challenging time of prayer, once I accepted fully the consequences of what was coming, the suffering and cost that I was going to pay through my love for my disciples, I received the peace I was longing for. It was not a peace made of the protection from suffering, but a peace grounded in the sure hope that out of this suffering much good would come. 

Suffering is never a friend, and should never be sought, but there are times when you have to accept that it is a key part of your journey, that you will not be able to avoid it. 

Once I felt again the clear sense of the Father’s will, despite the whirlwind of painful emotions and images that were surrounding my soul, I could find the sense of peace and purpose I needed at this time. 

 Again he returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn’t know what to answer him. He came the third time, and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Arise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.” (14:40-42)

After having prayed through this extremely challenging time, having kept my unity with the Father, I was ready to face the coming trials. I was ready to answer the questions, to carry the cross and to glorify the Father through my death and resurrection. I was also ready for the fall of my dear disciples, assured through this time of prayer of their coming back to me after the resurrection. 

I did not want to wait passively, I wanted to face what was going on, I was ready to go and meet the one who was to betray me. 

You already have or will have to struggle with contradictory emotions, with fear and trembling. I did fear and I did tremble, yet remember that I have overcome this temptation, opening the path of victory for you.

Learn to remain in me and I in you, learn to keep the channel of prayer continually open between you and me, as I did with my Father. In this way, we will see you through, we will accompany you every step of the way so that you will not fall and despair. And even if you were to fall, remember that you can come back to me, like my disciples came back to me after my resurrection. 

In me you have hope and assurance that you can keep your faith, that you can fight the good fight, that you can remain true to my love whatever the situation you face. The path of our love can be very challenging, but as you remain in communion with me you will be able to succeed and go through the fog of pain and suffering.