What a joyful thing, Kathryn. God is always guiding us,isn't he? In today's reading I think of my troubled grandson who never thinks of consequences. Peter seemed to have the same problem. Or was he like me and cared more than he should have about what other people think? But Jesus knew ahead of time that Peter would betray him. Answering the Solo question, I think that Jesus is telling me that he knows my faults and my reactions and loves me anyway. Hurrah!
Jesus had told the Disciples that when they got to Jeruselum he'd be tortured and put to death. By the account we have,the religious community had themselves worked up into a frenzy and were out for "blood". Peter knew the danger of admitting he was part of this revolution. They'd kill him too!In todays terms, I imagine what the people in Afganistan and Pakistan are going through just to vote. Or what most Muslim women risk to get educated, let alone what it would have taken to stand by Jesus during this time. I worry about the coming times and what our grandchildren or great-grandchildren will risk for the faith. I pray that America will always be this safe...but it is possible that one day we or those who come after us will need to risk our lives for what we believe. Remember the little girl at Columbine HS who while looking into the gun pointed at her face answered yes she believed in God. After Peter saw Christ risen he certainly stepped up to the plate and eventually gave his life. He saw first hand the resurrected Christ.... we take it on faith.
Peter's denial was foretold and was a necessary part of the process. Because he failed so miserably, yet became the cornerstone of the church and of what we know about Jesus today, he makes our struggles more expected and normal. I believe Peter's failure is what made his wonderful resolve later all that much stronger and true.
I appreciate all your comments. It does give us all assurance that we, too, can admit our sins and be sure of forgiveness and then go on to be useful servants of God. I found this reading very affecting and it is sticking with me through the day.
What a joyful thing, Kathryn. God is always guiding us,isn't he? In today's reading I think of my troubled grandson who never thinks of consequences. Peter seemed to have the same problem. Or was he like me and cared more than he should have about what other people think? But Jesus knew ahead of time that Peter would betray him. Answering the Solo question, I think that Jesus is telling me that he knows my faults and my reactions and loves me anyway. Hurrah!
ReplyDeleteJesus had told the Disciples that when they got to Jeruselum he'd be tortured and put to death. By the account we have,the religious community had themselves worked up into a frenzy and were out for "blood". Peter knew the danger of admitting he was part of this revolution. They'd kill him too!In todays terms, I imagine what the people in Afganistan and
ReplyDeletePakistan are going through just to vote. Or what most Muslim women risk to get educated,
let alone what it would have taken to stand by Jesus during this time. I worry about the coming times and what our grandchildren or great-grandchildren will risk for the faith. I pray that America will always be this safe...but it is possible that one day we or those who come after us will need to risk our lives for what we believe. Remember the little girl at Columbine HS who while looking into the gun pointed at her face answered yes she believed in God. After Peter saw Christ risen he certainly stepped up to the plate and eventually gave his life. He saw first hand the resurrected Christ.... we take it on faith.
Peter's denial was foretold and was a necessary part of the process. Because he failed so miserably, yet became the cornerstone of the church and of what we know about Jesus today, he makes our struggles more expected and normal. I believe Peter's failure is what made his wonderful resolve later all that much stronger and true.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate all your comments. It does give us all assurance that we, too, can admit our sins and be sure of forgiveness and then go on to be useful servants of God. I found this reading very affecting and it is sticking with me through the day.
ReplyDelete