That cross will be his sword; with it, he will vanquish death and defeat sin by his obedience and the shedding of his blood.

What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life. (Reflections on Christian Leadership Henri J.M. NOUWEN)

PInecrest Academy 7th Grade Girls’ Retreat: Temptation: looking around and comparing yourself

But the paradox with Christianity is that the future is fundamentally already the present. The future has shifted to the present. In and with Christ, the kingdom of heaven has come. “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (Lk 17: 21).

“Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Jesus went up to the feast secretly. Saint Augustine explains that this means that though Jesus was present, the full revelation of His divine identity was hidden from many.

Pride has power, power to reject reality, God himself.

God is always working!

Water also conveys newness—the waters of creation and recreation. Water covers the earth at the beginning and it brings about physical and spiritual cleansing. It makes things new again.

Christ crucified is God’s sign of Love for us. No matter what externally happens, we can trust that love.