(based on Matthew 16:21-29)
It is too easy, God
for faith to become an escape
- a way to avoid the pain of being human and alive;
or a path to success
- a way to pursuade the universe to give us the things we want;
or a system of control
- a way to bend others to our will
But the faith you offer is different, Jesus,
more dangerous and compelling;
It's the faith that carries the cross,
that embraces death
and lays itself down for the sake of others;
It's the only faith that can lead us to resurrecton
to life renewed and overflowing.
We praise you for this faith, God,
and open our hearts to receive it.
Amen.
— written by John van de Laar
© 2009 Sacredise http://sacredise.com/
Visit his site for many more excellent lectionary-based worship resources.
