A Lent Reflection for Holy Wednesday, March 27 by Eileen Lundy
Lectionary reading for 03/27/2024: Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 70 • Hebrews 12:1-3 • John 13:21-32
Selected passage for reflection: Hebrews 12:1-3
Read
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Reflect
There are many things that pass before our eyes each day. There are things that catch our attention that our eyes linger on, things that we only give a passing glance and things that we turn our eyes away from.
There are also things on which we fix our eyes. It is not a matter of if we will fix our eyes on something, but rather what we will fix our eyes on. We fix our eyes on the things we value. Things that we choose to guide and direct our lives. We are all running a race toward something, toward an ultimate goal that we are seeking.
The author of Hebrew offers us an ultimate goal, inviting us to throw off anything that might hinder, entangle and trip us as we run toward this goal. We are invited to run the race set before us with our eyes fixed on Jesus. Fix or fixed is a verb. An action that we take. It requires intention and is a choice we make. Fixing our eyes begins with looking away from all that distracts us and focusing our eyes instead on Jesus. We look to Jesus and we keep looking to Jesus. We intentionally direct our eyes to look steadily and unwaveringly at Jesus, our ultimate goal.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with our eyes fixed on Jesus and to follow his example. Jesus embraces the cross, scorning its shame and via the cross triumphs over sin and death. The way of Jesus is the way of the cross.
Walking the way of the cross is not something we do on our own, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. In the preceding chapter, Hebrews 11, the author has listed name after name of heroes of faith in the Old Testament. These are the great cloud of witnesses that surround us along with many, many more who have joined them over the centuries.
It is from their examples of faith in difficult, disorienting, and confusing situations that we can be encouraged and follow in their footsteps. We throw off anything that will hinder us or trip us up as we run the race that is set before us. And then we run with our eyes fixed on Jesus, just as that crowd of witnesses who have gone before have done.
Respond
A way we can grow in fixing our eyes on Jesus is becoming aware of where or on what we naturally fix our eyes. Choosing to fix our eyes on Jesus means we must look away from something else. We can begin by developing the habit of prayerfully reflecting on where or what we actually are fixing our eyes upon as we go about our daily life.
Today, take some time in reflection and prayer to review your day. Ask yourself questions such as “What did I fix my eyes on today? Where did I look when I was afraid or discouraged?” “Was I looking to Jesus? Or was I looking to something else?” Talk with Jesus about your answers and listen to what he might have to say to you. Ask Jesus to help you fix your eyes on him.
Rest
Jesus, I turn my eyes away from all that glitters and distracts. I turn my eyes to you and rest in your goodness, love and grace. I fix my eyes on you, Jesus, and run the race you have set before me. Amen
About the Author
Eileen Lundy lives in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a nurse with Nebraska Cancer Specialists and a bi-vocational pastor serving at Community Covenant Church. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. She is married to Steve, Mom to their three adult children and dreams of being a grandmother someday.