And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

Many of us have experienced the loss of someone who is very dear to us. In their absence remains a gaping hole. When we slow down to examine that space, we can feel deep sadness for the loss as well as joy at happy memories. 

At the memory of my late father, I feel sad when I remember how much I miss him. Our family also feels his absence when we celebrate life's milestones and he is not with us. However, times of laughter and joy fill us when we reflect on the hilarious things he used to say and do. (I might add - he was quite a character!)

The season of Lent is an opportunity for us to slow down and intentionally reflect on the life and death of Jesus. His life on earth was not easy and the means of His death gruesome. But He chose to come to us in the form of a man, to walk among us, and to give His life as a ransom for all who believe. His joy in life was to do the will of the Father - even unto death. Jesus’ Final Hours are heart-wrenching to recount: the betrayal of a friend, His arrest and show trial, horrific scourging, the mocking and scorn from the crowds, and then being nailed to a Roman cross. Jesus endured it all  because He knew great joy awaited on the other side (see Heb 12:2).

Jesus’ sacrifice is the means by which we are reconciled back to God. Through Jesus, we have an open invitation to receive healing and wholeness according to God’s design. Good news: this begins here and now, but will be even more beautiful and complete when we are reunited with Him in heaven. 

It is true, we feel sorrow for what was, but also gratitude for the price He was willing to pay for you and me, and joy in anticipation of what is to come. 

Until we are reunited with Jesus one day in heaven, He has given us a specific way to remember Him and what He accomplished for us. The Passover meal Jesus ate with the disciples serves as instructions of how we are to reflect on His life, death, and resurrection. The time of reflection when we take communion can be sobering and sad when we are, once again, confronted with our sinful nature and our desperate need for a Savior. But it also gives us a joyous  glimpse of what is to come: when Christ is reunited with His Bride (the Church) and we celebrate with Him at His Table in heaven.