March 16/Second Wednesday of Lent
Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. ~ Ps 31.6
“Into your hands I commend my spirit.” Is there a more compelling and powerful expression of trust in the entire Bible? Jesus uttered it from the cross at the moment of his death, and that cry has since been repeated by countless believers as they left the world, from Charlemagne to Thomas More to many a believer who is dying this day. Certainly these words are appropriate for the end of life, as we prepare to shuffle off this mortal coil. But for us they should serve not only as words to die by, but as words to live by. Yes, Jesus spoke them as he gave himself up to God — but he also lived them every day of his life, surrendering his own will as he sought to follow that of God, even to Calvary and the Cross. And so must we do, living into these words by committing ourselves to seek and to do God’s will, wherever it may take us. Such trusting surrender does not come easily. Most of us would rather maintain control over our own plans and ambitions than to place them in the hands of God, who just might see things differently. Today the psalmist reassures us we may safely commend our lives to ‘el ‘emet — the God of firmness, faithfulness, and truth. Counseling such trusting surrender, the Carmelite nun (and martyred Jewish convert) Edith Stein once wrote, “We know not, and we should not ask before the time, where our earthly way will lead us. We know only this, that to those who love the Lord all things will work together to the good, and further, that the ways by which the Savior leads us point beyond this earth.”
Loving God, Give me the confidence and faith I need truly to place myself in your trustworthy hands. Amen.
For today’s readings, click here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031622.cfm
To hear In manus tuas, Pater, from the Taizé Community, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xff4PlGlBLk
