Attention, girls and boys, disciples of all ages!! - June 12
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 69:1-23 (24-30) 31-38; PM Psalm 73; Eccles. 11:9-12:14; Gal. 5:25-6:10; Matt. 16:21-28
In January 2020, there was news of hard times ahead. People in China were affected by this virus that was kind of like a new strain of the flu. Some scientists and physicians were interviewed, calling for preparation around the world. February came and went, and projections grew worse for COVID-19. And yet, I recall feeling some level of denial that this purported “bad version of the cold” wouldn’t affect our life here in Alabama. I thought surely this coronavirus would attenuate or be quickly resolved. Though public health projections and warnings were issued, I didn’t think such vast shifts would happen. Now, as I sit in our home office writing these words, ripples of this virus have shaken our household, church life, kids’ schooling, friends and family, finances, and our mental and emotional wellbeing, to name a few. What did it take to get me to pay attention?
In this chapter of Matthew, Jesus is actively preparing his disciples for his ultimate departure. He tells them of what will come as he must return to Jerusalem: arrest, judgment, execution, and on the third day be raised. In doing this, Jesus is also teaching his friends about the fulfillment of God’s promise and prophecy from Hebrew scripture. I imagine Jesus’ forecast is met with blank stares, or the gracious “smile-and-nod”.
Simon Peter pulls Jesus aside for a heart-to-heart conversation. Maybe it went something like this:
‘Jesus – buddy…surely this “suffering and death thing” cannot be so. This isn’t part of God’s plan! You do amazing things – you feed and heal all kinds of people; you verbally spar with the scribes in the Temple, which is a blast to watch; and you teach us so much. We must have even more good work ahead…’
Before Peter can create another explanation or narrative of what is to come for this ministry parade they are heralding around the ancient Near East, Jesus erupts at him: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Imagine the awkward silence that must have hung in that room. Peter – who was to become the “Rock” of the Church – surely was wounded and stunned by Jesus’ dressing down. And yet, what did it take to get the disciples to pay attention? What did it take for them to believe the hard truths upon the horizon?
Friends, our call as Christians is to follow Jesus, setting aside our instinct toward human things and asking God to inspire us toward the divine ones. It is a radical ask: humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, pray for God to overrule our hearts, and guide our feet into the way of God’s peace – for what end? So that, at all costs, we serve those in deep need, listening to those who are shut out, and sharing the Good News of God’s love and redemption for the whole world. These are countercultural requests. If we truly do these things, our world will be turned upside down.
Much of life feels upended right now, anyway…so, what will it take for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus?
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
How has your prayer life changed since COVID-19 has affected our world?
What does it take for you to believe hard truths upon your own horizon?
Daily Challenge
Talk to someone you love and trust. Ask them for honest feedback about an issue or concern. Listen and pray for guidance on a next step.