I really did mean it

Have you ever promised yourself that you were going to visit, or at least call a long-lost friend or relative? And, you truly meant it.  You even looked forward to talking to this person you haven’t seen in a long time. But, although you promised, something more important came up.  Something else takes priority.

The Apostles were no different and we know how close they were to Jesus. That brings us to Peter, he promised our Lord, his best friend, he would lay down his life for his friend, Jesus.  Then when the time came for Peter to defend Jesus, something got in the way, his own life.  In Peter’s case It’s called fear. Jesus, knew the intention was there.  He knew Peter meant what he said from the bottom of his heart, but Jesus knew his nature. And, most importantly, Jesus still loved him.

And Jesus knows us, he understands our weaknesses better than we know ourselves, He knows, we many times have all the intentions of praying more, staying calm, treating others in a friendly manner, but we fail.  Although we fail, we were sincere and for that Jesus still loves us because we are his. He still loves us because he knows we will continue to try to please him, to do the right things for him. That is the key, we must continue to try to please God, regardless of our previous failings.

As the days of Lent are passing by, but we can still do our very best, putting our best foot forward, to continue to try to please God. Yes, we fall many times on the road we travel, but Jesus is there, always, to pick us help. He knows our heart and the crosses we bear.

Jesus carried his Cross to Calvary for our freedom. We can carry all the crosses that come our way offering them up to free the poor souls in purgatory and for those who have heavy burdens. I think Jesus would like that!