Embracing the Gift of Presence During Holy Week | Lent Devotional Day 43

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
April 1, 2026
Written by: Katrina Molnar

Embracing the Gift of Presence During Holy Week

Scripture:

and said, “What will you give me if I turn Jesus over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver.

Matthew 26:15

Reflection:

During Lent, we are often called to examine our interior life.  What are the things that are distracting me from prayer or keeping me from God? How can I improve my relationship with God and others so that I am ready to embrace the fullness and joy that comes with the Resurrection?
 
As we enter the final days of Holy Week and get closer to Easter Sunday, I find myself reflecting not on my own interior life and emotions, but on the interior life and emotions of Jesus, particularly during the days leading up to the Passion and Resurrection. What must it have been like for him to sit at dinner with the person who he knew was going to betray him?  Even though he was surrounded by his closest confidants, was he able to share with them his feelings about what was about to happen at their deepest level or were these conversations only had in his personal prayer life?  

With the beginning of Maundy Thursday tomorrow, Jesus will experience a rollercoaster of emotions.  He will go from facing the most difficult day of his life and his earthly death to the ultimate day of joy and his resurrection just three days later.  We are asked to sit and be present with him through all this pain and joy.  I invite you to lean into this gift in the coming days.  Be present with Jesus through all of the emotions and vulnerability he will experience through the Passion and Resurrection, just as he gives us the gift of his presence every day of our lives.  The Passion and Resurrection are not just something that happened.  They are something to be experienced deeply every Easter.  Embrace the journey in the coming days.  

Prayer:

God, today I celebrate the gift of presence.  I thank you for your presence and that of your Son in my life, as well as all of the gifts you grant me every day.  I am grateful for all of the people who are present for me when I most need them, and ask you to help me be present and bring comfort to  people who need it most.  As I enter these last days of Holy Week, may I make myself vulnerable to be present with you and fully experience your Passion, the coming Resurrection, and the joy that will come in the Easter season. Everything is always for your greater glory. ~ Amen

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