When I last wrote about “Liminal Space” a comment was made that just maybe it is faith and hope that get us through those difficult times in our lives. This is true! I never delved into that part. But, what better week of the year than Holy Week; to look at how our faith in a loving God is how we survive the darkest points in our life journey.

It is when we hit that nether period of life that one begins to truly understand the “Paschal Mystery”. We sit in the garden with Jesus. We cry, understanding the betrayal of those we thought cared about us. No one would even sit with us or stick up for us. Even our best friends walk away from us. We pray Psalm 51 “Be my Savior again, renew my joy. Keep my spirit steady and willing.”

At our lowest times as we search to find a way out of the darkness, we cling to Christ on the cross. There are moments we feel dead. We cry out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?” There seems to be no way out of the tunnel. Often times this is when people fall into a dark tomb of depression. On these occasions we need to find the professional help of a therapist or spiritual director to listen and guide us. We cannot make this journey alone. But it is hope, hope that morning will come again that keeps us fighting. We believe that our Creator surrounds us with love and mercy. “Put your hope in the Lord, be strong, let your heart be bold”. Psalm 27

And at some point we begin to feel whole again. Resurrection happens. We experience light. Colors seem brighter. We are delighted by life. We relive the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus every time we go through a struggle in our own lives. The Paschal Mystery is part of us and us it. Rejoice Jesus is alive within us!!!

I leave you with a prayer called The Soul of Christ to pray and reflect on this Holy Week.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death,
call me and bid me come to you
that with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen. –