WEEK SIXTEEN: IN THE UPPER ROOM DAY 4
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Luke 22: 58-62: Peter's Denial of Jesus:"...About an hour later, still another insisted, "Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "My friend, I do not know what you are talking about." Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny my three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly" [Please read Luke 22: 54- 65 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 22: 58-62; ask for sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, tears and deep grief because of the great affliction Christ endures for me (#203).
In the Upper Room, Jesus predicted that his disciples' faith in him would be shaken. Peter insisted that his faith would not be shaken and that he would even die with his Master. It is then that Jesus predicted Peter's denial of him. The heart-rending account of Peter's denial is painful to read. In his first denial to the maid, Peter said that he did not know Jesus. The second time his accusers insisted that Peter was one of Jesus' disciples, and Peter denied the truth. The third time, his accusers insisted that Peter was Jesus' disciple because he too was a Galilean like Jesus. Once again Peter denied the truth. Mark's version is quite graphic: "He began to curse and to swear, "I do not know this man about whom you are talking." (Mark 14: 71) It is then that the cock crowed and "the Lord turned and looked at Peter." (Luke 22: 61) Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him in the Upper Room. One could spend hours pondering on the gaze exchanged between Jesus and Peter. As this painful saga unfolded, Peter's faith and commitment to his Master sank into the dregs. In a jiffy, three years of discipleship careened towards disaster. The saving grace was that Peter stayed with the community of disciples in the Upper Room.
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Luke 22: 58-62: Peter's Denial of Jesus:"...About an hour later, still another insisted, "Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he is a Galilean." But Peter said, "My friend, I do not know what you are talking about." Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today, you will deny my three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly" [Please read Luke 22: 54- 65 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 22: 58-62; ask for sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, tears and deep grief because of the great affliction Christ endures for me (#203).
In the Upper Room, Jesus predicted that his disciples' faith in him would be shaken. Peter insisted that his faith would not be shaken and that he would even die with his Master. It is then that Jesus predicted Peter's denial of him. The heart-rending account of Peter's denial is painful to read. In his first denial to the maid, Peter said that he did not know Jesus. The second time his accusers insisted that Peter was one of Jesus' disciples, and Peter denied the truth. The third time, his accusers insisted that Peter was Jesus' disciple because he too was a Galilean like Jesus. Once again Peter denied the truth. Mark's version is quite graphic: "He began to curse and to swear, "I do not know this man about whom you are talking." (Mark 14: 71) It is then that the cock crowed and "the Lord turned and looked at Peter." (Luke 22: 61) Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him in the Upper Room. One could spend hours pondering on the gaze exchanged between Jesus and Peter. As this painful saga unfolded, Peter's faith and commitment to his Master sank into the dregs. In a jiffy, three years of discipleship careened towards disaster. The saving grace was that Peter stayed with the community of disciples in the Upper Room.
God knows us better than we know ourselves. Jesus knew Peter had not yet fully accepted Him as the messiah, He knew Peter's discipleship was built upon his own strength and not that of God. He knew his commitment and he would follow but deny Him to save himself. In what ways do I do this throughout my day, have I fully accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior in all my trials? The gaze between Jesus and Peter was one with love, knowing his weaknesses and loving him anyway, the other with sorrow for letting the Master down. In this trial, Peter's discipleship was being strengthened, didn't seem like it for Peter but Jesus knew he had to answer the question he had, was Jesus the Messiah? The same question we all must answer and with love, Jesus will be your strength if we will look into His eyes.
What is God saying to you? Gaze into my eyes today, what do you see?
What is God saying to you? Gaze into my eyes today, what do you see?
Dear Father, You give us free will to chose our path in life, Heaven or Hell. The time we spend here on earth will prepare us for eternity, may I never forget to look into Your eyes, may I not lean upon my own strength but Yours. May my discipleship be authentic and real at all times for You know the truth. Prayers for those blinded by their own desires and miss the crowing of the rooster, and miss the loving embrace of You. Prayers for a mother in pain, help her endure this trial. Thank You for a blessed day, looking forward to the fruit it will bring. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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