37th Day of Lent- Wednesday in Holy Week
Sometimes We Hide
"And Peter was following him at a distance." Matthew 26:58

How often do we, like Peter, follow Jesus "at a distance."  We want to be near him, but just not too close.  Because if we get too close, he may ask us to do things which would upset our current way of life and make us uncomfortable.  Remember the rich young ruler?  Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and give to the poor.  If Peter had stayed close to Jesus at his trial, he, too, may have been arrested.  So he kept his distance.

But in the midst of this there is good news.  Even though Peter kept his distance and even denied ever knowing Jesus, Jesus did not deny him.  Jesus welcomed him back and made him a very important leader of the early church.  I think God had a plan in all of this.  Yes, Peter failed.  But so do we.  Jesus welcomed Peter back, and so also are we welcomed back.  Even when we keep him at a distance, we are given the opportunity to draw close to him again and again.  Holy Week is a wonderful opportunity to do so.  Yes, life is busy all around us.  Just like in Bethlehem when Jesus was born, the world is full of hustle and bustle, virtually unaware of the cross and resurrection.  But we are aware.  We can be drawn close to Jesus at this special time.  May we, who so often keep God at a distance, be drawn in by God's love this week.