Entering into Lent
The four gospel-books are disarmingly honest when it comes to Peter. On the one hand, he is presented as the leader-spokesman for the disciples, yet at times he is the fall guy. Peter represents just about everyone; the first disciples, human nature, and me. When Jesus and his disciples had arrived in Caesarea Philippi Peter seemed to have it all sorted. In reply to Jesus’ question as to who he was, Peter declares, “You are the Messiah.”
However, when Jesus states the consequences will be suffering, rejection and death, Peter’s blessed assurance takes a tumble. He rebukes Jesus for toppling his view of messiahship. Jesus reprimands Peter, ‘Get behind me. Get out of my way. You have spoken as someone all wrapped-up in your human nature.’ Jesus then teaches that ‘following him they will put their own safety and personal interests aside and be willing to suffer for their faith.’
Six days later Jesus included Peter in his chosen three to climb high with him on the Mount of Transfiguration. On the mountainside Jesus communes with the Father, his disciples close by. Suddenly his disciples see the appearance of Jesus transformed, his clothes dazzling white as if touched by the glory of God. Then, standing conversing with Jesus are Moses and Elijah.
Unrestrained and ever ready with a word Peter reverts to addressing Jesus as teacher, ‘How good for us to be here. Let us mark this place. Erect three tents. One for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ It was as if Peter wanted to capture the experience of that meeting; memorialize it, hold it there, even control the revelation of that event.
Following World War 1, memorials were erected to honour all who served and those who died in that war. Many such memorials in places across our land still serve the useful purpose of bringing communities together. But regardless of that they could not prevent another world war happening two decades later. It is no more certain that memorial churches raised where they stand today continue as a base for a living, serving Christian communities.
We currently live in a generation intent on capturing moments on mobile phones. What happens to all those numerous, memory snaps recorded? Following Jesus is about engaging in a forward movement of faith. Ultimately that is about living his great commandment; offering God everything we have of heart and intellect and will. In that way we are coming out of ourselves for others and our God.
This is what Jesus did. In the gospels Jesus is the inside-out Messiah. He did not present himself to the Chief Priest in the Temple where the powerful deposit of religious tradition was lodged. Nor did he lobby the Council of the Sanhedrin for support for his cause. Jesus went to outsiders.
In Mark’s gospel Jesus called the tax-collector Levi before he had appointed the Twelve as apostles. Jesus did the forbidden thing, touching unclean lepers and releasing a man demonized by an unclean spirit. With our forward look of faith within our own gathered faith communities our challenge is to be “out” like Jesus. Jesus, the one-time carpenter who stopped building things to build people up.
Those people in our local communities who help local schools, foodbanks, budgeting services or citizens advice bureaus know the stress poverty brings upon our neighbours. We tend to know in a general way from what we hear and read in the media, but the media and those who lead our nation are far more likely to feature the crime resulting from poverty than the ways poverty may be reduced.
We are members of a wider community tolerating cheap labour even if a mother has to work two or three part time jobs to make ends meet. Those ignorant of the details of her life may see in her a neglectful parent. Early childhood centres are unaffordable for many. Is there the possibility of a local ministry here?
In some locations three generation live on top of each other in crowded houses. This neither makes for good health nor educational outcomes for children. In the third term of 2023 only 46 out of every 100 children eligible to attend school did so. One explanation is that lockdowns created such stress for confined families that many parents had to buddy-up to their children to cope and keep the peace. As a result, many parents’ authority to direct their children’s activities has been broken. Some children are loose in our communities.
2024 will also be challenging for many. However, we should be mindful that those of us who own property and can afford insurance are privileged people. With privilege and an intentional desire to follow Jesus comes responsibility. We have a choice. ‘Then as a dark cloud enveloped them a voice came, “This is my Son, my Beloved, listen to him.” Yes, listen-up, hear, heed! Lord, open our eyes and hearts.