My Attention Back to Jesus

Is anyone else oddly comforted by the disciples constantly misunderstanding Jesus or saying dumb things in the Gospels? I don’t mean in a way where you condescendingly enjoy their confusion or humiliation, but rather in a way that their errors are reassurance that even those closest to Christ needed to be corrected and reminded Who God is even when literally right in front of their faces.

In a time when things seem so divisive and when many in the Church are pointing fingers at each other declaring who’s in and who’s out, I’ve been finding myself frustrated and saddened, repeatedly calling out to Jesus in prayer, “Could You just come now? Now would be a good time, Lord.”

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the tension and animosity plastered all over social media and while part of me wants to throw my phone out of a window, the example of Saint Peter and crew completely missing the mark in today’s Gospel (John 21:20-25) reminds me that this is not the first time conflict and competitiveness has existed among the faithful, and as much as I wish it were not the case, it will likely not be the last.

How many times have I been like Peter, trying to point to or figure out who around me is messing up instead of focusing on my own relationship with God and call to be holy?

Jesus responds with a question, “[W]hat concern is it of yours?” He is not sharp or attacking, but still the question pierces me. It’s an invitation to examine my own judgment of others and opinions of what God’s response should be and to humbly ask for mercy and purification so that my focus returns solely to the unconditional love of God.

And so, sister, I invite you to join me in taking a moment to pause before engaging in fiery social media conversations. Instead, may we take a step back, turn away from rash judgement, and turn toward the open arms of Christ Whose love brings far more validation than anything of this world ever could.

Toward the open arms of Christ. // Sarah RoseClick to tweet

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Jesus, turn my heart and attention back to You.