Obedience

Many years ago, at the final Eucharist of a healing and renewal conference with the Francis and Judith MacNutt in Rutland, VT, I was kneeling to receive the elements, deep in contemplation, staring at a life-sized crucifix which had been draped with roses. Then, in the eye of my mind, the roses became drops of blood dripping from our Lord’s wounds! Surprised [visions are NOT my cup of tea!], I asked him in my head, “Jesus, how could you willingly allow yourself to be tortured to death? How could you walk into such a painful suicide trap?” He simply answered, “because my Father asked me to!” Maybe that explains then second sentence in the prayer He taught us: ”Thy will be done.” He didn’t specify who was to do it, and up to then the question had never entered my head. That never-to-be-forgotten moment I knew I was being taught a life-long lesson in obedience. I’m still learning...