Reflection
To try to make more meaning out of your previous reading; allow yourself to reflect upon the article, your faith, and your thoughts. Begin by watching the short, reflective video about an inspiring bond between a father and a son below.
"I'm just loaning him my arms and legs so that he can compete... there's just something about me and Dick that I cannot explain; It makes us go faster."
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/4/3/18439527/3027861.jpg)
This was it. This was the kind of love Jesus was offering to us-- it was one that entailed sacrifice, hardships, blood and sweat; but it was also one that was truly unconditional, truly pure, truly special. In a world where violence, ignorance, and "busyness" takes over, it is almost rare to see such people like Rick and Dick Hoyt. Their love was a powerful force that bound them together despite their differences and the hardships they had to face. And that was what struck me most.
Just as Jesus loved, Rick sacrificed and fully committed to and for his son. He knew he it would be difficult; He knew it would be hard, but he went on with it. He knew no one else would stand up and be there for his son, and he knew he was very much capable of giving his son a life that he otherwise would've never had. He wasn't necessarily entitled to do so. In fact, his doctor told him the dream was impossible and that he should be sent away because of this disability. And yet, he chose to save his son from despair, and show him a way of living, that although troubled for him, was trouble-free for his son. He loved.
In our lives today, we are often too preoccupied by our work, studies, and social life. We almost always are seemingly drowning in a pile of paperwork, or lost in a threshold of problems. In this fast-paced, ever-changing, and almost restless lifestlye, we never have the time to just pause life for a while, and have a chat with our Lord. Our relationship with Christ is often hindered by these, and left unnoticed; We are left nescient from his works; clueless from his true intentions. With this, we fail to establish this two-way relationship, and often fail to see God's ultimate love.
But even more than this, all of us encounter lurid "death"s. No matter how much we strive for a perfect life, we are always bound to face these obstacles that challenge us. Jesus, in his own way, revealed this reality to us. He showed us that there will be things that won't necessarily go our way, but it isn't the end. Later on, we see Jesus' resurrection; his triumph against evil and this reality.
Whether its academics, or even relationships, the presence of evil and trouble that is yet to happen is something we cannot hide. But with his love; with our trust; with his message of hope, Jesus allows us to see that these are nothing but temporary road blocks that protect our dreams as they're crafted and constructed to perfection. "Death"s are nothing but manifestations of an even greater love that is yet to come; Something greater in the works.
His death, again, is truly one of the most powerful images of what love is. It really just is incredible and pure. No matter how lost we may be right now, or no matter how unestablished our faith may be at the moment, let us never forget that God's love will always be present in our lives. No matter how clueless we may be of Church traditions and Christian values, the idea of God and all his goodness will remain for you to yet be discovered. As growing adolescence, we may often have trouble in doing these simple things and "making the connections", simply because of the changing of times and traditions. But truly, if we simple take a step away from our text books and video game controllers and take the time to see, be with, and take God in our lives, it will be worth it; It is hard, it is a bewildering journey of experiences and ups and downs, but it will be worth it.
We urge you to have a moment of silence, and simply pray for God's love, guidance, and participation in your life. After this, please proceed to reflect on the questions below.
Just as Jesus loved, Rick sacrificed and fully committed to and for his son. He knew he it would be difficult; He knew it would be hard, but he went on with it. He knew no one else would stand up and be there for his son, and he knew he was very much capable of giving his son a life that he otherwise would've never had. He wasn't necessarily entitled to do so. In fact, his doctor told him the dream was impossible and that he should be sent away because of this disability. And yet, he chose to save his son from despair, and show him a way of living, that although troubled for him, was trouble-free for his son. He loved.
In our lives today, we are often too preoccupied by our work, studies, and social life. We almost always are seemingly drowning in a pile of paperwork, or lost in a threshold of problems. In this fast-paced, ever-changing, and almost restless lifestlye, we never have the time to just pause life for a while, and have a chat with our Lord. Our relationship with Christ is often hindered by these, and left unnoticed; We are left nescient from his works; clueless from his true intentions. With this, we fail to establish this two-way relationship, and often fail to see God's ultimate love.
But even more than this, all of us encounter lurid "death"s. No matter how much we strive for a perfect life, we are always bound to face these obstacles that challenge us. Jesus, in his own way, revealed this reality to us. He showed us that there will be things that won't necessarily go our way, but it isn't the end. Later on, we see Jesus' resurrection; his triumph against evil and this reality.
Whether its academics, or even relationships, the presence of evil and trouble that is yet to happen is something we cannot hide. But with his love; with our trust; with his message of hope, Jesus allows us to see that these are nothing but temporary road blocks that protect our dreams as they're crafted and constructed to perfection. "Death"s are nothing but manifestations of an even greater love that is yet to come; Something greater in the works.
His death, again, is truly one of the most powerful images of what love is. It really just is incredible and pure. No matter how lost we may be right now, or no matter how unestablished our faith may be at the moment, let us never forget that God's love will always be present in our lives. No matter how clueless we may be of Church traditions and Christian values, the idea of God and all his goodness will remain for you to yet be discovered. As growing adolescence, we may often have trouble in doing these simple things and "making the connections", simply because of the changing of times and traditions. But truly, if we simple take a step away from our text books and video game controllers and take the time to see, be with, and take God in our lives, it will be worth it; It is hard, it is a bewildering journey of experiences and ups and downs, but it will be worth it.
We urge you to have a moment of silence, and simply pray for God's love, guidance, and participation in your life. After this, please proceed to reflect on the questions below.
Reflect
Questions for the Soul
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/4/3/18439527/1380631469.jpg)
1) Do I see Jesus in my life?
Where did I see him today? Yesterday? Do I take time to seek Him or am I too busy to do so? What steps can I take to further strengthen this faith/ relationship?
2) Did I ever have my own "death" experiences?
What did I make of it? Was that moment of tragic despair truly what it seemed like? Was there something else going on behind the scenes?
3) What does Jesus Death mean to me?
Do I often misunderstand God? Do I think I deserve better? How does the knowledge of His love affect me? help me?
4) In what ways do I see The Hoyt Team's love similar to Jesus love?
What made it so special; so unique? Do I see this love in my life? How can I open up to it?
5) Do I myself love?
How can I show this love to my neighbors? Am I myself worthy of this love?
Where did I see him today? Yesterday? Do I take time to seek Him or am I too busy to do so? What steps can I take to further strengthen this faith/ relationship?
2) Did I ever have my own "death" experiences?
What did I make of it? Was that moment of tragic despair truly what it seemed like? Was there something else going on behind the scenes?
3) What does Jesus Death mean to me?
Do I often misunderstand God? Do I think I deserve better? How does the knowledge of His love affect me? help me?
4) In what ways do I see The Hoyt Team's love similar to Jesus love?
What made it so special; so unique? Do I see this love in my life? How can I open up to it?
5) Do I myself love?
How can I show this love to my neighbors? Am I myself worthy of this love?
A Prayer.
Let us put ourselves in the
Holy presence of God.
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/4/3/18439527/1380791500.jpg)
Dearest Lord,
Saying thank you will never be enough for all you have and are doing for me. But thank you. We have been sinners, liars, and selfish beings, but you saw us through these imperfections, and ultimately made your love shine through.
We realize that our lives today are but reflections of all the hardwork and "busyness" that we go through. And some of these things may hinder us from living the life you want us to live; from seeing You in our lives; from loving to love, and not to be loved. In all my busyness, in all my hardships, may you make me fully aware of your presence, your love, and your saving grace.
I am here today blessed with so much more than I deserve; wandering through the road you have helped paved for us. In all our hardships and "death"s, It was your love that aided us. It was your love that kept and keeps us going. It was your love that showed us what living truly meant.
We are truly thankful for all you have done for us, and your ultimate sacrifice, that was, your son. Now, may you be with us as we open ourselves to the same commitment, and return the favor. Thank you, O Lord, for your blessings, your joy, and your love.
Amen.
Saying thank you will never be enough for all you have and are doing for me. But thank you. We have been sinners, liars, and selfish beings, but you saw us through these imperfections, and ultimately made your love shine through.
We realize that our lives today are but reflections of all the hardwork and "busyness" that we go through. And some of these things may hinder us from living the life you want us to live; from seeing You in our lives; from loving to love, and not to be loved. In all my busyness, in all my hardships, may you make me fully aware of your presence, your love, and your saving grace.
I am here today blessed with so much more than I deserve; wandering through the road you have helped paved for us. In all our hardships and "death"s, It was your love that aided us. It was your love that kept and keeps us going. It was your love that showed us what living truly meant.
We are truly thankful for all you have done for us, and your ultimate sacrifice, that was, your son. Now, may you be with us as we open ourselves to the same commitment, and return the favor. Thank you, O Lord, for your blessings, your joy, and your love.
Amen.
Synthesis
Pulling it Together
In the end, we all come to realize that Jesus' love was one that was truly special. It was an unending display of the ultimate manifestation of love that was sacrificial, and self-giving. Jesus, in his suffering and death, not only gave us a glimpse of the enormity of the magnitude of His love and His kingdom, but also gave us a way into redemption, and the departure from our sinful selves. Now, it is our turn to do our part.