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A word that comes up a lot in these post Easter Scriptures is the
word Disciple – Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ. The best definition I
have ever heard of what a Disciple of Jesus Christ is, “is a person who
tries to follow Jesus, makes a lot of mistakes, but comes back and tries
again and again.”
A person who makes this definition come alive for me was Peter,
the first Pope. Picture with me Peter, Mr. Enthusiasm…the Charlie
Hustle of the New Testament, jumps in with both feet, “There ain’t no
mountain high enough – no valley too low – that I won’t follow you
Lord. I won’t fail you – I am committed.”
A little while later Peter, Mr. Whishy Washy, “I don’t know this
Jesus – you have mistaken me for another person – I’ve go to go, I am a
busy person – this suffering and dying stuff is too much for me. I want
to be part of a winner.”
If we explore the first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles
a little bit more, we meet Peter, the Cheer Leader. A sales person for God – Mr. Committed again, calling people forth to be Baptized. To
make a personal commitment, “It’s worth it,” he says. He proclaims the
crucified and risen Christ as the source of his strength and power.
A Disciple… a person who tries to follow Jesus, makes a lot of
mistakes, but comes back and tries again and again. YOU…ME… A
Disciple…2020. Yes! Maybe. No!
(Go out to people and look up to Altar Area.)
“What is this Guy talking about Lord? Me be a Disciple? No
way! If he only knew about the real me. If he knew what I did last
night, or what I think about that person two rows in front of me. If he
knew about the conflict in my family, or the trouble in my marriage. If
he knew some of my secret thoughts, or old grudges that run so deep. If
he knew that I am only here because my mother is making me, or that I
have a secret plan to sneak out during communion. If he only knew my
doubts…if he only knew.
I close with this thought; I truly believe that our God knows us
better than we know ourselves. He knows how inadequate we are, how awful and hurtful we are to each other at times. God has heard every
possible excuse we can make when it comes to following Him.
Today, Peter and other Disciples like him remind us that our God
is very willing to work with and thru our weaknesses and inadequacies.
God has given Peter and the others a second, third chance. God is
willing to give us endless chances if we let it happen. God will not give
up on us – let’s not give up on ourselves.
A Disciple – a person who tries to follow Jesus, makes a lot of
mistakes, but comes back and tries again and again.