I’ve been thinking on and off about last Sunday’s Gospel reading, where a lot of Jesus’ followers left him after hearing some teachings they found difficult. When Jesus asked his closest friends if they would be leaving too, Peter said there was nowhere for them to go, that Jesus had the words of everlasting life.
Note that Peter did NOT say, “We don’t WANT to leave.” Imagine if what Peter meant by his response was that he was experiencing a strong urge to “head for the hills,” just like the others who left. Yet, despite the hardships that came with the call to discipleship, he knew in his “gut” that staying was what he “had” to do, even if it was not what he “wanted” to do.
Too often, I think, our consumer culture tells us that we should do whatever we want to do from moment to moment. The result? A fair amount of narcissism and self-seeking, to put it mildly from my perspective. It has been increasingly difficult for people to make good on lifelong commitments, whether this is to a spouse/life partner, religious life, etc. All such commitments carry with them hardships to the individuals involved, and it is difficult sometimes to make the decision to invest oneself in the effort to work through the hardships to come to a deeper and more mature appreciation of the commitment, especially if there is not similar resolve from the spouse/partner/community. With the headwinds of our culture buffeting us from all sides, telling us if something is not going to our satisfaction, we can throw it away and get a new one, it is no wonder that people these days find it difficult to make and be faithful to lifelong commitments.
I pray that as I continue to live my own commitment, I will continue to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus through the hardships yet to come. May it be so for you, as well.
Hey Sandy,
It’s great to be back! Yes, let’s do coffee sometime soon. When are you free? I’m available this Friday afternoon and then throughout the rest of the weekend.
It’d probably be easiest to contact me through email: dunsryan “at” yahoo “dot” com.
Cheers!
Having read your Sep 2 entry prior to the Aug 31 – it occurs to me there are ebbs and flows in felt levels of commitment as well. Seems good to understand this as well.
You speak truth! I was just surfing around and stumbled on your blog. That’s a good word you said there. Mark Twain says to follow after people seeking truth and beware those who claim it. Funny how in the greek language there is not word for “reality.” It was used interchangeably with “truth.” How interesting it sounds when we take Jesus’ words when talking to Pilate, “I am the way the [reality] and the life.” And Pilate’s response is, “What is reality!?” Sounds like a lot of people I know today.
All this to say I think you’re right. That we get caught up in our own world of emotions that we forget the truth and the truth, or living in reality, is what matters!
(All my quotes were paraphrased)