Jesus saved his harshest words not for Israel’s oppressive Roman overlords, nor for insurrectionists like Barrabas (who advocated violent civil unrest), not even for the religious elite he accused of being white washed tombs. No, Jesus reserved his harshest criticism for his disciples. When Jesus speaks in terms of God’s will (his pending death and resurrection), one disciple, Peter responds, “Oh no Lord, God forbid this to ever happen to you.” What could be more well meaning then that? Yet Jesus gives Peter the severest of condemnations when he addresses Peter as the embodiment of evil. “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23) Nowhere else in the Gospels does Jesus speak of anyone in this harsh of language. Is it possible that our concerns might be a problem for God; that they might stand in the way of God’s purpose? Jesus seemed to think so. In other words, God’s will is not a given. It doesn’t reveal itself by osmosis. It takes prayerful reflection and holy conversation. It’s a discernment process with an eye on scripture and a heart open to God’s Holy Spirit. But isn’t it enough just to be well intentioned? Hmmm….
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