Today's Scripture Reading
Mark 14: 66-72 (NRSV)
Blog Reflection
Welcome to a new month. September. Children are going back to school. College/University classes have begun. Work schedules are being rearranged by parents and adult students to be sure they meet their obligations to education. The green leaves will start to change color as Summer gives way to Fall. In some parts of the country the air will get noticeably colder. The evenings will get darker earlier.
Our Gospel for Vesper's today takes us to the Passion of Jesus, and His trial before the Pharisees, Chief Priests, Scribes and Elders. Yesterday, Jesus when asked by the high Priest "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus answered: "I am....." (Mark 14:61,62). Today, is about Peter. Peter finally gets his chance to live up to that promise he made to Jesus only moments earlier in Mark 14:29-31. "Even though all become deserters, I will not" said Peter. Yet, here is Peter having denied even knowing who Jesus was when Peter was spotted by those standing near by him.
It is real easy to scapegoat poor Peter. Peter should have known better shouldn't he? After all, isn't Peter the one who confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God? (See Matthew 16:16). Yes, this is Peter. Confronted by his own fears of what could happen to him if he is identified with being with Jesus, at this moment of Jesus trial, passion and His coming death on the cross. Rather than be "the man," Peter shows that he needs Jesus and His Cross so very much, because Peter like the rest of us talk the talk, but we often fail to walk the walk.
Would any of us really have done any better than Peter? Is there any one of us who would have gladly said: "Yes, I was with Jesus!!" And be ready to face being beaten like Jesus was, and Peter just witnessed? Do we really think we are more superior?
Are we ready to be there with Jesus as He gets arrested and thrown into jail for distributing LGBT equality materials in the young man that has just been arrested in Russia?
Are we willing to stand at trial with Jesus as Congressional Democrats who criticized President Bush for rushing to go to war in Iraq, are now ready to support President Obama in a military strike in Syria?
What would we do, if Jesus were on trial before us, and someone asked us if we are following Jesus?
Would we call for a Vestry meeting to discuss the costs of doing so, before deciding?
Would we ask for the consents of all of the Bishops and Standing Committees through out the Episcopal Church?
Would we hold an election vote with propaganda and expensive commercials to persuade our decision?
Jesus is on trial, being beaten and prepared to be handed over to be crucified. Are we really ready to go there with Him?
Could and/or would we really do any better than Peter?
Amen.
Prayer
Mark 14: 66-72 (NRSV)
While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘I do not know or understand what you are talking about.’ And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know this man you are talking about.’ At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.
Blog Reflection
Welcome to a new month. September. Children are going back to school. College/University classes have begun. Work schedules are being rearranged by parents and adult students to be sure they meet their obligations to education. The green leaves will start to change color as Summer gives way to Fall. In some parts of the country the air will get noticeably colder. The evenings will get darker earlier.
Our Gospel for Vesper's today takes us to the Passion of Jesus, and His trial before the Pharisees, Chief Priests, Scribes and Elders. Yesterday, Jesus when asked by the high Priest "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus answered: "I am....." (Mark 14:61,62). Today, is about Peter. Peter finally gets his chance to live up to that promise he made to Jesus only moments earlier in Mark 14:29-31. "Even though all become deserters, I will not" said Peter. Yet, here is Peter having denied even knowing who Jesus was when Peter was spotted by those standing near by him.
It is real easy to scapegoat poor Peter. Peter should have known better shouldn't he? After all, isn't Peter the one who confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God? (See Matthew 16:16). Yes, this is Peter. Confronted by his own fears of what could happen to him if he is identified with being with Jesus, at this moment of Jesus trial, passion and His coming death on the cross. Rather than be "the man," Peter shows that he needs Jesus and His Cross so very much, because Peter like the rest of us talk the talk, but we often fail to walk the walk.
Would any of us really have done any better than Peter? Is there any one of us who would have gladly said: "Yes, I was with Jesus!!" And be ready to face being beaten like Jesus was, and Peter just witnessed? Do we really think we are more superior?
Are we ready to be there with Jesus as He gets arrested and thrown into jail for distributing LGBT equality materials in the young man that has just been arrested in Russia?
Are we willing to stand at trial with Jesus as Congressional Democrats who criticized President Bush for rushing to go to war in Iraq, are now ready to support President Obama in a military strike in Syria?
What would we do, if Jesus were on trial before us, and someone asked us if we are following Jesus?
Would we call for a Vestry meeting to discuss the costs of doing so, before deciding?
Would we ask for the consents of all of the Bishops and Standing Committees through out the Episcopal Church?
Would we hold an election vote with propaganda and expensive commercials to persuade our decision?
Jesus is on trial, being beaten and prepared to be handed over to be crucified. Are we really ready to go there with Him?
Could and/or would we really do any better than Peter?
Amen.
Prayer
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but
first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he
was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way
of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and
peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Collect for Fridays, Book of Common Prayer, p.99).
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p.815).
No comments:
Post a Comment