Grace Curtis
Think back to last year’s advent, where the year all began. How was Jesus reborn in your heart? In what way did you take Jesus into the world in a new, hopeful way? Advent is a time for us to remember the humility Christ had in order to become an adorable little baby and be vulnerable enough to dwell among us. Remember your favorite memories with your family and friends during the Christmas season and the amazing gifts Christ gave you. Even on during the time we celebrate His birth, during the time that people were giving Him gifts (the Epiphany), Jesus showered you with Love and gifts. Try to remember one specific gift He gave you, ad be amazed at how that gift continued to give throughout the whole year.
Next we remember the first bit Ordinary time (although we all know there is NOTHING ordinary about this time)! Jesus emerged in full swing of his teaching and ministry. He walked into the intimated lives of the people and healed, taught, laughed, cried, and simply spent time with them. As we remember some of our favorite parables and moments Jesus had with His people, we can also remember some of the lessons He taught us. How did Jesus walk with you this year? What was the favorite lesson He taught you? How about the hardest lesson? Reflect on times you laughed with Jesus, and maybe some times you cried. Perhaps you can put yourself in the place of the Apostles who followed Jesus and watched Him perform miracles. What amazing things did Jesus do for yourself and others? In this season hopefully you grew and learned more about yourself and who the Lord is in your life.
Inevitably Lent comes and we remember Christ’s suffering and journey towards the Cross. What hardships can you recognize this year that united you to the Cross? How were you able to grow in self-discipline and what revelations did you have about the hard things in life? Remember your failures and mistakes, and realize how they brought you graces and lessons that you needed later in life. Maybe you felt alone sometimes this past year. Think about how that hard time evolved into something great, and see how Jesus was glued to your side the whole entire time. Isn’t that amazing? He never leaves us; even death isn’t strong enough to separate us from His love.
We celebrated to the max during Holy Week and the Easter season! During one of the most important weeks of the year, you may have found Christ in a new and very real way in your life. This would be a good time to remember the conversions you had, and how Christ lit your heart on fire the way the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. Remember the times the Holy Spirit just totally inspired you and moved you to do awesome things. What about all those times you rejoiced at the greatness of God and the great things He’s done and helped you to do? Can’t forget those! And although Jesus had to go back to heaven until the Second coming, we live in the exact same hope the Apostles and all the saints throughout the history of the world lived in: the hopeful desire to spend eternity with Him in heaven.
With all that hype, the second part of Ordinary Time may sound like a disappointment. But hey, what about all the great ministries of the Apostles? You are a disciple just like them, and I can guarantee you accomplished some great things in the name of Jesus. God is so proud of you! Maybe you had to die to yourself and your desires the same way the martyrs of the past gave their whole lives for the glory of the Kingdom of God. What an amazing gift it is to be able to sacrifice a little part of yourself so Christ can live in your heart. We also looked forward to the Second Coming of Christ. He IS coming again for us, and His Kingdom IS being built on earth. Think of all the hopes and dreams you achieved this year, and all the ones that you’re still holding onto this year. You have great things for the future, and an amazing life God has planned for you.
Which brings us to today, which is also the day we celebrate Christ the King! Today you can remember the journey you had with Jesus, the ups and downs and everything in between. Marvel at his complete awesomeness. You’ve spent the last year growing and becoming closer to Jesus, which has resulted in some great things. You’ve been building his Kingdom in the unique way that only you can. God looks at you with love and says “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy” (Mt 25:21). Rest in His glory today, and get ready for the great ways you’ll build His Kingdom this next year. Jesus has great things planned for you this year, but don’t worry about that today. Today remember the spiritual journey you’ve taken this last year, and smile at how you’ve grown. You are amazing, and your story has only begun.
Continue to build His Kingdom in the way only you know how.
Christ our King, Thy Kingdom come!
Your Sister in Christ