Lent

AS THE Christian world begins the observance of the Lenten season, it is but timely to focus our personal reflection on the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Passion, because Jesus suffered terribly for you and me. His body was wounded beyond recognition; his head was crowned with thorns, and his blood profusely gushed out. He was whipped, struck, and made to carry a heavy cross on which he was hanged -- nails piercing through his hands and feet. He agonized over the brutal and inhumane punishment inflicted on him -- a punishment so undeserved because he has done no wrong.

Death, because his tortured body lost its life on the cross. He died a gruesome death commonly meted out only on hardened criminals; yet, ironically he has committed no crime.

Resurrection, because Jesus rose from the dead. Through the power of the Holy Spirit he conquered the grace, resurrecting to life and never to die again.

Why did all of these happen? Because God loves us beyond what words can express. By his passion, he took the punishment due us for our sins. By his suffering, he took our pain. And by dying, he offered us life in all its fullness (John 10:10), not only in this world but in all eternity.
Finally, by rising, Jesus defeated the power of evil and its sting, which is death. He laid down the model that all believers will follow -- that the appointed time for the death of our bodies will instantaneously be followed by our entry into the eternal bliss in heaven. Yes, it is appointed unto man to die once, and after that, face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

This season of Lent, let us reflect on this amazing love. Then we will understand that this life that we live is indeed simply "lent" to us, and that everything that we now have actually belongs to the Supreme Giver -- our God.