Today’s Reflection:
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV

Heavenly Father, suffering was never part of Your plan for us. You warned Adam and Eve of the consequences of disobeying Your Word as You warn us today in Your Written Word. I thank You that in Your love for us, You created a plan to save us before You formed the world. Emmanuel, God with us, Jesus, became one of us. He, our High Priest, was tempted in every way like we are, yet He did not sin. Three times He asked, if possible, for the cup of suffering to be removed from Him. Already in so much agony, He was sweating drops of blood, yet knowing what was still to come, He willingly yielded to Your will and died in our place. Suffering beyond what we could ever imagine, He is able to comfort us in our sufferings so we, too, can comfort others in the same way He comforts us. In Jesus’ Name Amen

Further Reflection:
Genesis 2:16-17; Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:3-6; I Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8; Matthew 1:23; Matthew 26:39, 42, 44; Luke 22:44;
Hebrews 4:14-16 II Corinthians 1:4