Monday, May 18, 1998
Monday, May 18, 1998
Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three
dwellings." (Mark 9:5
NRSV)
Peter had a bright idea: "Lets stay here and build." It is a common reaction. One can think of a
number of areas in which Peter's idea has captured us. I think it is a tragedy when people stop and
build upon one period in their religious thinking. There are those whose understanding of God has
never progressed beyond the "now I lay me down to sleep" stage.
Conversely, there are those who have rejected religion in their early years because of some
unfortunate experience with a religious figure--pastor, priest, or Sunday School teacher. They put
the freeze on their own personal spiritual history at that moment. Their minds are closed to the
possibility of an adult faith. There are those whose understanding of the Bible has never grown
beyond the notion that is something like a Chinese fortune-cookie, a magic talisman which can be
cracked open anywhere to reveal God's word for the day. In our social and political realm we
have been guilty sometimes. We all like things "the way they were," not realizing that God may be
calling us upward and outward toward something newer and better. "Let's stop and stay here
awhile," we say. However, that is now the way of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, push me to continue to grow in my faith and commitment to you.
Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA