Lent 03.30.24
I imagine Peter is frozen—with guilt, rage, and regret—still standing by the fire. I imagine he remains there for hours, unable to move, paralyzed by fear. I imagine he mourns privately, pleading for a miracle, praying the worst will not come, crying out again, “God forbid it!” (Matthew 16:22) In the background, the shadow of a cross flickers like flames rising from the charcoal fire.
"Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" For Peter, the answer is “no.” He has left the God he loves.
In this image, God’s river of grace flows out from the cross and spills out before a bereaved Peter. Even in this moment of deep despair, God’s abundance rushes to greet him.
—from the artist's statement for “Were You There?” by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity | @sanctifiedart
WEEKLY CENTERING PRACTICE Center yourself in breath. Place one hand on your belly and one on your heart. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for 4.
DAILY QUESTION Have you ever run away from something because you were scared or because it was hard? What did you learn?
PRAYER Gracious God, my wandering heart loves to flee. How many times have I run when the conversation got hard? How many times have I shied away from the truth because it was painful? Like a parent with a child, scoop me back up and bring me close to your heart again. Give me the courage to stay, to talk, to listen, and to change when needed. Humbly I pray, Amen.
