Wear These Chains
May 18, 2013
Saturday of the Seventh Week of
Easter
After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me,
because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to
appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own
nation. This is the reason, then, I have
requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of
Israel that I wear these chains.” Acts 28:18-20
Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus
loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had
said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord,
what about him?” Jesus said to him,
“What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours? You
follow me.” John 21:20-22
Piety
Father, take from me my envy of
others and my personal ego. Jesus, give
to me in abundance the virtues of fortitude, temperance, justice and prudence needed
to accept your invitation to mission. Holly
Spirit, set me free from my goals with your gifts that speed me on my way to
follow Jesus with faith, hope and love. Amen.
Study
The disciples are great role
models for us because right up until the bitter end, they continued to exhibit
flawlessly human behavior and reaction.
Today, we still see petty jealousy come through as they attempt to
measure themselves against each other.
"What about him?"
Paul sizes up his destiny against John.
James wanted to sit at the side of the Lord in heaven. They had doubt. They had fear. They had confusion. They stayed in their comfort zone. They turned their back on Jesus. They betrayed the man they had known and
followed for three years.
It is evident that the lessons
Jesus taught needed to be driven home somehow with emphasis. Tune in tomorrow. Let’s see what descends upon the locked room.
Action
What is the answer to our
doubts and fears? What is the solution
to our confusion and comfort? Following
Jesus is the prescription for Peter and for us.
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