Lent - Day 42 (19/4/2011)

"BEFORE The Rooster Crows"

John 13:21-33, 36-38

Today's reading focuses our attention on Peter. When Jesus announced that someone would betray Him, Peter wanted to know who it was. And when Jesus hinted of the dangerous journey He was about to undertake Peter declared that he was not afraid, not even of death. "Lord, why can't I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You," (v37). Peter had supreme confidence - in himself.

Alas, it was Peter's confidence born out of ignorance. Ignorance of the spiritual forces that were at play that night; that night of betrayal ... denial ... trial. Ignorance of the limits of his own faith, even though he might ordinarily be a courageous man. And ignorance of what the Lord was really talking about.

We too are often caught in ignorance. Some of us may respond like Peter, boastful and confident. Some of us may rant and rail at God. Others of us may retreat in fear. Still others merely complain or criticize. What we need to do is to first understand that we do not know as much as we think we do. And we need to trust in the One who does. Or else, before the rooster crows, we will find out how wrong we have been.

Prayer
Lord, forgive my ignorance in the ways that You move in my life.
Grant me discernment and sensitivity to the workings of Your Holy Spirit in my life.
And Lord, help me respond with courage and love to all that You ask of me, today and everyday.

From Contemplation to Action
For most of us, life is what we see and experience - time, health, physical potentials and limits, money, beauty, ability, history, etc. What we see and experience informs the way we look at life. But we need to be mindful that we are but a grain of sand in the ocean of eternity, a small but significant part of the cosmic reality of God and God's purpose, called to respond courageously in the battle between the spiritual forces.
That God knows us by name should be a reason for us to rejoice continually. As we contemplate on all this, let us let go of our faith in ourselves and strengthen our faith in Jesus, even as we meet the challenges in our life, in our church, and in our nation.