Every year during Lent, I have journeyed closely alongside Jesus through prayer and reflection by focusing on one of the symbols of His physical suffering. One year my Lenten contemplation was on His hands; another year, His nails; another year, His cross. With each symbol I have imagined walking with Jesus and reliving His agony, passion and death. This Lent, I have been drawn into the woundedness and brokenness of His heart, His emotional agony. I have placed my heart in His and entered into His hidden heartrending grief, anguish and sadness.

It is impossible for me to comprehend the depth of His suffering. His wounds are so deep because He loves so deeply. I want Jesus to know I am with Him. I want to assure Him that He is not alone when He feels abandoned, ridiculed, judged, hated, without friends nearby to defend Him, denied by those He healed and loved. I tell Jesus I love Him now and forever. I tell Him that my heart will always be in His heart.

Then I pause and ask Jesus how I might have added to His woundedness and brokenness. The questions and answers come from within my own heart.

How have I shown love and compassion today and could I have done better?

Have I shown mercy and forgiveness?

Have I responded with love to those who are marginalized and rejected?

Have I been true to my word and treated others with honesty and integrity?

Do I allow myself to feel the pain of others?

How vulnerable and open am I with my own heart?

What are the wounds in my own heart?

Do I hesitate to speak with others of my deep love for Jesus?

As I reflect, with sadness I realize how I, too, have caused pain to my Beloved, the One who loves me beyond my comprehension. Yes, I have added to His woundedness while He faithfully loves me in my own brokenness. I promise Jesus that my heart will always live in His heart.

Come to Me, all you who are weary
And carry heavy burdens,
And I will give you rest.
Matt. 11: 28

– Sandy Setterlund