Lent Day 13 Failing

Reading

“Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.

Reflection

There can be no doubting that we love the Lord and wish to follow him. But we are often blind to how strong our natural desires are to protect, promote and gratify ourselves. So when we fail in our Christian walk – the act of selfishness, the flash of anger, the lie that slips out – it can be a painful moment, as we are forced to confront our true nature and our inability to change through our own efforts. Painful, yes, but also a precious moment in our faith if we use it properly. How? By once again acknowledging our total need for Jesus and completely surrendering ourselves to him anew.

Spiritual Exercise

Your to-do for today: You might like to try reminding yourself regularly of how much you need Jesus. A good way to do that is by praying this simple prayer, known as the ‘Jesus Prayer’ at regular intervals throughout the day: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’