Lent: With One VoiceSample

THAT IS WHY I HAVE COME.

Hong Kong is a vibrant, throbbing, buzzing city. Everywhere we’re surrounded by people, in the streets, in the lifts, in the malls, at the MTR. In the midst of all this non-stop movement of pressing people, it is difficult to find a time and place to be still, a place to reflect, a place to seek communion with God. In these verses, we have a reminder of the daily pressures on the Lord Jesus as the sick thronged around Him for healing and His disciples brought their own agenda based on power and popularity. Jesus, however, withdrew to a solitary place for communion with His Father in prayer. Here He refocused on the priority of His mission – preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God. ‘That is why I have come.’ We need to develop a similar rhythm for our daily lives – involvement, withdrawal and refocusing. Without this time for withdrawal and refocusing, we get carried along by all the hectic activities and demands that threaten to sweep us away with the crowds. With a healthy rhythm of involvement and withdrawal, we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

FOR REFLECTION
• What is the main purpose of my involvement with the people around me?
• How can I ensure time for withdrawal from my involvement with people?
• How can I keep a clear focus in my own daily walk with God?

PRAYER
Father, help me in my involvement with people. Make me an agent of healing and reconciliation among the people that crowd my daily life. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the privilege of having quality time alone with You. Holy Spirit, keep me from drifting and from being carried along by the crowds. Help me to keep my focus on Jesus day by day.