Pascua.

Today is Day 1 of the feriado (holiday) here. Semana Santa. Holy Thursday. Anticipation of Christ's hands and feet being beaten into a cross by hands that didn't understand who He was. A tomb being opened for Him; after suffering an excruciating death, He is lain on the ground, wrapped in cloth, without breath. We can't forget that.

But Resurrection Sunday is coming, a day in which Christians celebrate a risen Jesus Christ. It really ought to be a celebration, a party; Jesus is alive! Death came, but life overcomes, and Jesus is alive.

"...that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
-1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Last year I walked around Arequipa during this time and pondered the traditions that define this holiday. I was astounded at the idols, the images, the money being collected, the bells and fireworks going on, the processions, the people wearing crucifixes on their necks for three days only. It reminded me of the 18 years I was in bondage.

I forgot how it can be here, this "Holy" week. For some people, it's a time to cry and to mourn; for others, a time to party and to let themselves go with alcohol.

Today I wonder how I've contributed to the Kingdom in the last year. I'm not saying this in a manner of "works." I'm speaking from the perspective of a Follower of Christ who is called to speak the Good News: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps in a time that could be considered a crisis of faith, I've faltered in this. That's no excuse. May my life be a living sacrifice, regardless of how I might "feel." May my life speak and demonstrate what I believe. Am I a testament to the purpose of Christ's death and resurrection?...Am I living a life worthy of Jesus, being sanctified and becoming more like my Savior every day?

"By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain.
-1 Corinthians 15:10a

These are questions to ask myself, to meditate on as I cry out to God to cleanse my heart.

I do hope Holy Week restores your faith, wherever you are. I'm praying it does mine. Let's remember that there is no mediator other than Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, the great I AM. Born of a virgin girl, not a saint; made man while still God; completely perfect, offering us eternal life...and we can't earn it. We can't pray enough, we can't be good enough, we can't live or die enough.

It's just faith in Jesus.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by [FAITH] the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
-Hebrews 11:1-3