Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Lenten Readings from the "Little Black Book"
(image from The Compass Newsletter)
The Diocese of Saginaw, MI produces a "little black book" each year at Lent. The book contains readings for each day of the Lenten season, and is a very good tool for turning the mind inward. The book asks that the reader take 6 minutes out of each day to focus soley on God. I will be posting each day's Bible readings from the "little black book" here with either no commentary, or minor commentary. I would love to see the comments on these readings grow, to see what others reading these posts think about the verses. If anyone would like to order some of these books, and support this really wonderful work, here's the link.
Here's a newsletter article about the books from The Compass
Today's reading is from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 22, verses 31-34:
For me, this passage is a lesson in forgiveness and the Power of a Spiritual Master to affect the lives of his disciples. Jesus tells Peter that He has prayed for Peter, and even though Peter will deny Jesus and loose his faith to fear, Jesus' prayers will intercede in fate (in Peter's Karma) and pull him back up. Jesus' prayers are so strong, in fact, that Peter will rebound and become the person that the other disciples can lean on (their "rock") in their time of trial. This passage also illustrates the Master's capacity for lovingkindness and forgiveness. He knows Peter's faith will fail, but he does not resent him or stop interceding to the Father on Peter's behalf.
When studying a verse, remember to look at it in context. Read the whole chapter and get a sense of what's being said in light of other events. Context is EVERYTHING.
The Diocese of Saginaw, MI produces a "little black book" each year at Lent. The book contains readings for each day of the Lenten season, and is a very good tool for turning the mind inward. The book asks that the reader take 6 minutes out of each day to focus soley on God. I will be posting each day's Bible readings from the "little black book" here with either no commentary, or minor commentary. I would love to see the comments on these readings grow, to see what others reading these posts think about the verses. If anyone would like to order some of these books, and support this really wonderful work, here's the link.
Here's a newsletter article about the books from The Compass
Today's reading is from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 22, verses 31-34:
"Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers." He said to him, "Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you." But He replied, "I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you even know me."
For me, this passage is a lesson in forgiveness and the Power of a Spiritual Master to affect the lives of his disciples. Jesus tells Peter that He has prayed for Peter, and even though Peter will deny Jesus and loose his faith to fear, Jesus' prayers will intercede in fate (in Peter's Karma) and pull him back up. Jesus' prayers are so strong, in fact, that Peter will rebound and become the person that the other disciples can lean on (their "rock") in their time of trial. This passage also illustrates the Master's capacity for lovingkindness and forgiveness. He knows Peter's faith will fail, but he does not resent him or stop interceding to the Father on Peter's behalf.
When studying a verse, remember to look at it in context. Read the whole chapter and get a sense of what's being said in light of other events. Context is EVERYTHING.
