Lent 03.12.24
With every brush stroke in this ink painting, the humanity of Peter’s face deepens, his expression clarifies. He cannot let his beloved friend be murdered. He worries about human things. How weighty and legitimate those things feel. Jesus seems free of those human worries. He focuses with confidence on the path ahead, though Peter’s concern causes him to falter.
Perhaps we can each be free of human concerns as well… However, that feels like a pipe dream, and Jesus knows it: “Get behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23). He does not blame Peter. Instead, he calls out Satan from within his friend. In doing so, he offers us a much needed reminder to refocus.
—from the artist's statement for "Beseeching" by Hannah Garrity | @sanctifiedart
WEEKLY CENTERING PRACTICE Center yourself through gentle movement. Stretch your body.
DAILY QUESTION What is a good thing in your life that you cling to?
PRAYER Gracious God, it can be easy to look at my day and pay attention to what was hard or draining, but that is not the way I want to see my life. Instead, help me look at my days and see the good. Wrap my fingers around the beauty of this world. Help me cling tightly to the sound of my best friend’s laughter, to the joy of a bright pink sunrise, and the sure confidence that you never leave us alone. Amen.
