Scripture Verses that caught my attention today: John 21:18-19 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Observation: this is countercultural
Application: An illusion that many of us follow these days is the idea that we are or should be independent. We shouldn’t have to worry, we think, about anyone else telling us what to do. We should be able to be our own boss, follow our own path, do our own thing. Sometimes, for a while, we do.
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus tells Peter that times are changing, that Peter will not be so independent any more? Following Jesus will not be a particularly rosy path, though it will be one that glorifies God.
Today is Christmas Eve. Hosts of people will gather in churches around the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Many will laud the good news of God taking on human flesh in the form of the Christ child—as well they should. Precious few, however, see that this holy child invites us to share in his journey. ‘Thanks but no thanks’ many reply in word and/or deed.
It’s understandable that we might want to avoid such a path. Ironically, eventually we all end up being led in directions that we might not necessarily choose on our own. And no matter how challenging our particular paths might prove to be, within them is the lingering promise that the one who came will come again and that even in this time in-between, his presence persists, giving every night the potential of being an oh so holy night.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your persistent presence. Grant us the grace to perceive it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: John 19-21)
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