Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to
be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not
knowing what he said. (Luke 9:33
NRSV Bible)
A most unusual protest took place several years ago in a convent in New Jersey. Four nuns locked
themselves in a tiny second-floor infirmary and had taken a vow of "near silence." They are
protesting new rules established by their new prioress, Mother Theresa Hewitt. It seems that
Mother Theresa has introduced television, secular videos, recorded music, bright lights, and
(horror of horrors) daily "sweets" into the convent. The sweets consist of a tin of
candy, which is passed around each day, and each nun is supposed to indulge. In the words of one
of the protesting nuns (who are among the younger nuns in the order, by the way) the new
prioress is turning monastic life into "one big party." In order to express their revulsion of these
ungodly changes the four sisters have locked themselves away.
I can sympathize. There is much in our world that I would like to withdraw from. I
can sympathize with Simon Peter who wanted to build three booths and stay on the mountaintop
of Transfiguration in the presence of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Unfortunately, he was not given
that option, and neither are we. We must live in this world of strident, discordant noise. There is
no retreat. We are a part of God's heavenly kingdom, but we must live out our witness for God in
this world.
Dear Jesus, it is not always easy to be a good witness for you in this world, but
give me the strength to share your love and forgiveness. Amen.
Ron Newhouse
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