Last Holy Week, when I joined our community in going through the Way of the Cross, I was greatly touched with the prayer that was said during the 6th Station – Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus. I can’t remember the exact prayer but the question it posed struck a chord in my heart: How can I give back to you (God) for all the benefits you have bestowed on me?
I missed the rest of the prayer because my tears fell and my thoughts raced back to who I was before and the many struggles I went through, yet God has seen me through and even favored me with His blessings.
How can I really give back to a loving and generous God? I feel small because even as my imperfections continue, He never stopped taking care of me and my family. What can I really do for you, my God?
After Easter Sunday, I received an answer to this question.
My friend, Ms. Tata Sy, shared with our group a song by Bethel Music from their album “You Make Me Brave.” I read the lyrics and once again, my heart skipped.
The song’s title is “A Little Longer” and part of the lyrics go this way:
What can I do for You
What can I bring to You
What kind of song would
You like me to sing’
Cause I’ll dance a dance for You
Pour out my love for You
What can I do for You, Beautiful King
BRIDGE:
Then I hear You say
You don’t have to do a thing
Simply be with me and
Let those things go
They can wait another minute
Wait this moment
Is too sweet
Please stay here with me
And love on Me a little longer’
Cause I’m in love with you
I remember the story of Mary and Martha in the gospel of St. Luke. Martha was very busy serving the Lord and making preparations while Mary sat at His feet listening to every word that He was saying. When Martha complained, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things… Mary has chosen what is better.”
Sometimes, we get so caught up with work or the pleasures in life. Even in church activities, we get very busy. Not bad things but we open ourselves to become distracted, worried, and upset. These take away your focus from Jesus and it’s not the better part. God first and everything else will be added on. This is what Mary did. She hung on His every word. She stayed with Jesus.
That is why after reading the lyrics of the Bethel song, I felt shame. When was the last time I skipped watching TV or working on the computer or supervising my business to sit quietly, listen to what God wants to say and get to know Him better?
What can I really do for you, my God? Nothing, He says. Just let your busy-ness go because they can wait.
God just wants me to stay with Him and love on Him a little longer. But why can’t I give this to Him consistently and wholeheartedly? My weak and imperfect me fails.
Unlike Veronica. Amidst the insults and persecution of Jesus, she could have just watched like other bystanders while Jesus carried the cross. But she chose the better part. She took those precious steps to go to Jesus and wiped His face. It was a risk. She could have been hurt, but she stayed with Him even for a few seconds to wipe His bloodied face.
“Please stay here with me and love on Me a little longer ‘Cause I’m in love with you…”
God, our Creator pleading to me, His willful and sinful daughter to stay with Him and to love Him a little longer? It pains me but I also know that I should take action and not just feel things.
So I have resolved that if my day feels too full, I will make time to schedule an extra prayer first…as in first thing when I wake up or first before I plunge into busy-ness, trusting that Jesus will take control over everything else.
Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
Jesus, inspire me to find my own solitary space and time each day to stay with you… a little longer and in prayer.
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