May 12, 2022

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22: 31-32)

Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane about to be betrayed by Judas and then denied by Peter. He knows what is coming, so He tells Peter that after the denial he, Peter, will turn back to be of use. Another word of grace from Jesus despite the extreme anxiety of what lies ahead.

Our interior lives are ramshackle at best. Our best efforts are often piddling. Yet, that doesn’t stop God from using us. Rickety and ragtag is the church triumphant.

“O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Fourth Sunday of Easter – BCP)