Miserando atque eligendo

Mar 19, 2013 19:46

Three independent sources today pointing me at Peter's denial of and reconciliation with Christ. Here is where I got to with imaginative contemplation ( Read more... )

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novak March 19 2013, 19:59:21 UTC
Fabulous! I hope some less-inspired or more-harried priests pick this up as a homily!

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emperor March 20 2013, 15:22:13 UTC
I remember a sermon (in the Orthodox chapel in Taizé) about John 21, particularly vv15-17. There is a subtlety here that seems to be lost in English translations (well, Youngs Literal tries, but). The first two times, Jesus asks using "αγαπας", and Peter responds with "φιλω". Jesus asks Peter if he can love him in that unconditional way that God loves the world, but Peter can't; he can only commit as far as philia. "Do you truly love me, Peter?" "You're a great friend, Jesus". The third time, Jesus asks the easier question, using "φιλεις"; he meets Peter at the level of commitment he's able to make and works with that - this man, who cannot reach the standard Jesus asks for is the rock on which Jesus builds his Church, given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven; and in the end Peter is prepared to give everything in following Christ ( ... )

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midnightmelody March 20 2013, 20:11:10 UTC
That's a very helpful reassurance/challenge, and I will definitely pray with it, thank you. The 2013 AoC's Lent book talks about the importance of living out-of-control, and I think that is another example of saying "right, God, clearly I cannot even begin to handle this, but if following your voice got me here, I assume you have a plan, so lead on".

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emperor March 20 2013, 21:02:10 UTC
Having failed to sort out a Lent book this year, I'd be interested in your thoughts on it at some point!

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