Do you ever feel as if ‘life’ is throwing everything it has at you? Well, the last six weeks have been like that for me. And, no matter how much I tell ‘life’, “That’s enough for now, thank you very much,” it doesn’t make much difference.
Just when you think your ducks are starting to gather themselves into some sort of straight line, something else comes along to scatter the ducks. And they don’t scatter peacefully, no, there’s lots of loud quacking.
Can you relate to that?
I wonder if part of these disruptions have been because it’s Lent. The more I’ve tried to focus on preparations for Holy Week, the louder and rowdier my ducks have become. It’s reached the point where it’s almost comical.
It does help me to attribute some of these disruptions to a deliberate spiritual distraction. And, it helps me to think about the focus that Jesus had, all the way to the cross.
Despite the noise, the chaos, and the constant ‘flapping of wings’, Jesus kept walking.
As we reflect on Holy Week, I’ve been struck again by the road Jesus chose to walk – and how He walked it. From the shouts of “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday to the cries of “Crucify Him!” just days later, His path was filled with distractions, confrontations, sorrow, and betrayal. And yet, He never lost sight of the cross.
Think about that. He knew what was coming. He knew the pain, the mocking, the weight – both physical and spiritual – that He would carry. He knew the disciples would scatter, just like my ducks. He knew the crowd would turn, and still He kept going.
Luke tells us that “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). That word – resolutely – stays with me. He wasn’t dragged there. He didn’t get swept along by circumstance. He chose that road, eyes fixed on the Father’s will, heart full of love for us.
Even in the garden, when the pressure was so great that His sweat became like drops of blood (Luke 22:44), Jesus didn’t run. He prayed. He yielded. He stayed the course. His focus didn’t falter.
And here I am, flustered by a noisy brood of spiritual ducks and the day-to-day messiness of life. But when I pause to remember the road Jesus walked, I’m reminded that our Saviour isn’t unfamiliar with the noise, the distractions, the chaos. He’s walked through worse – and He walked through it for us. Because His love is stronger than every interruption. Stronger than fear. Stronger than death.
So, if your ducks are quacking wildly right now, if life feels more like a scramble than a solemn walk toward Easter, take heart. You’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not unloved. You are loved by the One who walked through every trial with grace, strength, and unshakable purpose.
This Holy Week, let’s draw near to that love. Let’s remember that no matter how scattered life gets, Jesus is the same: faithful, focused, and forever for us.
Hold fast. Hope is alive!
Would you pray this prayer with me?
Lord Jesus, thank You for walking the road to the cross with such love and determination. When life feels loud and unsettled, help us to remember Your steady steps and Your unwavering heart. Teach us to fix our eyes on You, to find peace in Your presence, and to walk with hope even in the midst of chaos. May Your love quiet our hearts, and may Your resurrection power lift us in every weary moment. Amen.
With love
Your friend and rector,
Claire