St. Nicolai Notes

EXCHANGES ON THE WAY: LENTEN PRAYERS
Day 3: First Friday
Mark 8:31-38 (especially 8:34)

For those who expressed a preference, style 2 had 3 votes, style 1, 1. I had already written today's in style 1, so, from tomorrow on, expect style 2. (look at day 2, first Thursday, for an explanation of the two styles).

     We understand denial, Jesus. It seems that we've already been denying ourselves. A lot! We left our homes, families, and work behind. We're frequently surrounded by noisy, demanding crowds that cause our heads to spin, leave us drained of energy, and give no thanks for the generous works You do and that You assign to us. We often have no idea where we'll get our next meal or lay our heads for rest.
     But what do you mean when You say we must carry a cross if we want to follow You? There are no crosses, here, to pick up. Why would we do so anyway? Are You leading an insurrection? We know that's what many people hope for and we often do too. But have we already been found guilty and sentenced to death?
     We don't want to be crucified. We don't want either the unbearable agony and death or the public humiliation which our families will share. We are willing to resist those in power, but quietly, or with some covert action. But let's not push the stakes too high too quickly.
     We're following You right now, but we're keeping our eyes open for an escape route.