We are officially in middle of Lent. Perhaps the most dangerous period.
Why?
Well, we bring anticipation and energy to the starting blocks (Ash Wednesday). We celebrate the end (Holy Week). But the middle, requires endurance and focus. Admittedly, I struggle with it.
In fact, many struggle with the middle of you name it… a workout, a diet, a road trip. It is in this middle ground where we face the greatest risk of losing momentum, seeking alternative routes or worst of all…giving up. Which I have also done on many occasions.
For now, let’s go deeper…🔥
During this middle period, I think of Saint Peter because he demonstrated many traits that we display today. He enthusiastically started his journey with anticipation and ended it by laying it down for his friend. But his journey “in the middle” was at times, a mess!
It was during this time that Peter:
✝️ Rebuked Jesus as he spoke of his own death.
✝️ Resisted the washing of his feet.
✝️ Nearly allowed himself to drown in the Sea of Galilee.
✝️ Was nowhere to be found during the Crucifixion.
✝️ Cut off a person’s ear.
✝️ Denied Jesus…3 Times!
✝️ And, tradition tells us that he attempted to flee Rome prior to his martyrdom.
Is the journey, the middle part of it, the part where we can lose endurance and focus, a challenge? You bet it is!
Steve Ray, a well-known Catholic convert, authored a book called Upon this Rock. In it, he framed up Peter’s position saying:
“Why should we consider someone so impulsive, outspoken, and unstable as Peter to be capable of leading the band of apostles in founding and governing the Church, the Household of God? Because he is respected and loved by Jesus…”
We know that our journey is filled with stumbling and re-routing. Saint Peter was no different, but…he was “respected and loved by Jesus”. It is an encouraging message. Even when the middle is messy, we are still loved by Christ.
