Saturday, March 7, 2009

Lent 2009 #10

Mark 8:27-30 
27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" 28 And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

THOUGHTS:
Who do we say that Jesus is?  
The world hears about Jesus by observing how Christians act and live.
When we judge people, we are telling them that Jesus is judgmental.
When we retaliate, we are telling those around us that Jesus is vengeful.
When we say one thing and do another, we are telling the world that Jesus can't be trusted.

When we heal the sick, we are telling people that Jesus cares about them.
When we comfort the suffering, we are telling them that Jesus is compassionate.
When we act out of love, we are telling the world that Jesus is loving.

So really, who do you say that Jesus is?


PRAYER (A Four-fold Franciscan Blessing):
     May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
     May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
     May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
     May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
     And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore. AMEN.

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