Reflection: Jesus never lost his faith in God the Father, but he did feel abandoned by God and, for a brief period, could not appreciate the presence of his Father within him. In this dreadful time of anguish whilst he hung on the cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?” This was not, however, a catastrophic event in the purposes of God. The fact that Jesus would say these words was even prophesied in Psalm 22:1. But for Jesus, being cut off from God because he now epitomised the sin of all of humankind, would have been catastrophic.
‘Forsaken’ is a powerful word. It has overtones of being abandoned at your greatest point of need. This is indeed, a very low point… and it is one that you might have experienced.
But of course, it was not the end of the story. The greatest event of human history was actually taking place. So please, don’t discard God because you feel abandoned in your distress. What God is doing is growing in you a faith that is strong enough to withstand the loss of faith. So, push through the wall. If you do, you will experience an authenticity to your faith that you never had before.
Prayer: Oh Jesus, I have little to say when contemplating the terrible things you had to endure for my sake. I can only show you a heart full of gratitude.