15th Station: From Abandonment to New Life

By Fr. Manh Tran, sj

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mt 27:46)

The word abandonment touches something very personal in me. After college, I felt lost and confused about my calling and purpose in life. When I prayed, God seemed silent. Even when others supported me, I still felt restless and unsure.

At times, many of us — especially as young adults — feel this way: searching, uncertain, and even abandoned.

In my desperation, I sought help from a therapist and a spiritual director. Slowly, I realized I had been so caught up in my woundedness that I failed to see God already present — working through the people who cared for me.

On the cross, Jesus experienced deep abandonment. His friends left Him. Peter denied Him. Judas betrayed Him. Even in His suffering, He cried out to the Father.

In this, I find consolation: Jesus understands what I feel.

Even when God seems silent, He is still present.

Lord, help me to unite my suffering with Yours, 

so that I may rise with You to new life. Amen.