Sudden Sinking Feeling
/Scripture
Jesus was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. …. when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:31-35 ESV)
Sudden Sinking Feeling
I can still feel the moments when my dad would ask “What were you doing there?”, and it wasn’t good. I’d gulp, try not to look guilty, and stay silent because the only other options were to lie or admit guilt. Never worked.
It would be good for me if I were more aware of the Loving Father’s occasional quizzical “What were you doing there?” look. I blithely go about my life desiring to do the good for the most part but am easily distracted by competition for attention, envy of another’s success or just plain crankiness. “What are you doing there?”
I’m in good company because on more than one occasion Jesus had a room full of red-faced friends, silent and guilty about their actions and attitudes. Jesus took enormous pains to explain the pain he was facing – arrest, humiliation, and execution – with the idea of rising from the dead thrown in for good measure.
I can’t imagine how I’d respond to such heavy words but I’d like to think my fear of exploring them would not lead me to childish competition among my colleagues. Sadly there is too much of this sort of thing within our relationships, our communities and ultimately the world- the bigger issues of sacrifice, service and mercy get blown away in aggression, conflict and mutual destruction. Lord have mercy on us all.
A Prayer for Today
Loving God, you became one of us to reveal the beauty and wideness of your self-giving love. It’s too easy for me to lose sight of the important things like love and service of others. Keep me from being distracted by self-interest and self-protection – and the same for our national and world leaders …. For Jesus’ sake
