SCRIPTURES:
Psalm 130: King David during a time of great distress prays: "Out of the depths of despair, I cry unto thee Lord, hear my prayer."
John 21: 15 - 19: Peter, after denying the Lord three times and running for the hills on Good Friday, comes back into the fellowship of the early church.
C arlos Delgado, a player for the NY Mets was having a horrible year, and many wanted him traded off of the team. For the last two months, he has turned it all around. And at a recent game after he drove in four runs and hit two home runs he was greeted with chants of M-V-P! Now he may not be the Most Valuable Player, but he is in the running for the Comeback Player of the Year. Our Lord didn't keep scores and batting averages on his disciples, but clearly today's Gospel Lesson could be summarized as "Peter is named Comeback Disciple of the Year."
Both Scriptures affirm the fact that part of our faith journey is a daily opportunity for "A Fresh Start." However, trusting in our ability to have that fresh start is one of the biggest obstacles that stands in the way. Peter could have crawled into a self-imposed prison of guilt, shame and despair, but he didn't. How do we respond at times of disappointment?
Prayer and reflection are only part of the solution at those times. Peter prayed and reflected about all that had gone wrong, but then he acted! He went back to the fellowship of the disciples even before the resurrection had occurred. He had seen our Lord's Amazing Grace in action throughout his ministry. He trusted that grace, his fellow disciples and himself; so he humbly re-enters their fellowship. Prayer and reflection is good but, as James puts it, "Faith without works is dead."
Peter's actions were based on his faith that God would bless his faithful response. He had no idea how any one would react to him after what he had done, but he trusted that doing the right thing would lead to blessings for himself and others. Clearly, as we read about Peter's faith journey following this particular "Fresh Start" we see that he was right. Peter in his dialogue with the Lord in which he three times affirms his faith, love and commitment to the Lord washes away any feeling of remorse or guilt for his three denials of the Lord, and he goes on to play a significant role in the life of the early church.
Actions Suggested:
Prayerfully reflect upon the areas where we would benefit from a "Fresh Start" in our faith journey. Then by word and deeds enjoy that "Fresh Start!"
Help other who need a "Fresh Start" with your prayers and words of encouragement!
Pastor Stephen Giordano —September 15, 2008