Scripture Reading: Luke 22:31-71
Jesus seems the epitome of the non-anxious presence in today's reading. He recognizes what is coming his way and does pray for an alternate path. But he also resigns himself to be who he is going to be. He doesn't seem to get upset or angry, even when those closest to him fail him.
When his disciples do respond with violence, Jesus does seem to get a little exasperated. Rather than chastise them, Jesus simply offers a better way and heals the man who was wounded.
 |
| It is not easy to be calm in the midst of the chaos! |
Later, Jesus shows them that their own statements about him are what they are using to condemn him.
Our own denial of Jesus may not come as blatantly as Peter's. It is often more subtle and justifiable but it is there nonetheless. I find it striking that Jesus mentions that he is praying for Peter that his faith would not fail and that he would be there to strengthen the rest. It seems that Jesus sees the thrice denial as a moment of weakness in an otherwise faithful life.
This is a good reminder that we shouldn't measure ourselves by our worst moments. And if this is the case, maybe we shouldn't judge someone else by theirs either.
As we approach the end of Lent, how is Jesus helping you move past your own denials? It may be helpful to think of Jesus saying to you, "I'm praying for you that your own faith may not fail, that you may be a source of strength for others."
Prayer for the day:
Eternal God, we give thanks for your steadfastness. You know us through and through and lift up our strengths while pardoning our weaknesses. Teach us to put our own anxieties aside as we serve you. And may the calm that comes from you be a blanket of peace that we spread over the people we meet. We pray these things in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Photo by Jong Soo (Peter) Lee via Flickr.com. Used under the Creative Commons License
No comments:
Post a Comment