Distant Followers--Aug. 30, 2021 (My sister's 100th birthday)

[From Aug.31, 2009 archive;

adapted from my Sept. 1, 2003 Journal]

 

Peter followed at a distance—but at least he followed.  

It would be easy to disparage his allegiance to you, 

yet few would have had even Peter’s courage.

 

Lord, I follow you at a great distance.  Have mercy on 

my timidity and indifference.  As I have received 

your mercy, make me merciful—not judgmental.  

 

And make me willing to sit and warm myself with 

those who are alien to me, as Peter did.  If I do, 

perhaps they may come to know your name.  

 

But if I am depressed and sullen, how would my example 

persuade anyone to follow you?  Make me glad; let me 

exult in you and praise your name by the way I live.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9

2 Chron. 6:32-7:7

James 2:1-13

Mark 14:53-65

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 9:2

I will be glad and exult in you;

            I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

 

2 Chron. 6:33a-c

“… may you hear from heaven your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigners ask of you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you … ”  [Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the temple]

 

James 2:13

For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

 

Mark 14:54

Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire.