March 20 (but earlier readings)

I feel like I am losing my steam with the blogging.  In such a busy life it often feels like one more thing to do. However,  I really like the idea of it -  to be able to look back at my thoughts.  So, at least for now, I am going to continue doing it.  Perhaps it will not be daily, but at least from time to time.  I think blogging is partially to blame for being behind on the readings.  (well that and screwed up priorities with regard to the daily readings....)  I often do not want to make the time to read AND Blog, and so I end up doing neither.  Today is actually March 20th, but after reading a couple of days worth of readings to "catch up" I'm still only on March 13th.  I clearly have more catching up to do...

I  read something today that I have never really paid particular attention to before.  It is from Mark 16:7.  It says "Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee.  you will see him there just as he told you before he died."  (This from the angel, speaking to the women who had come to the tomb)

Here's the part that I am pondering:  "including Peter"  It makes me wonder if Peter was on the outs because of his denial.  And if so was it self inflicted out of guilt, or were the others mad at him because of his denial?  I think I am leaning more toward self inflicted if this is indeed the case at all.  I think this only because scripture indicates that the disciples "scattered" "fled" etc.  Yes, Peter was vocal in his denial in spite of his declaration of "Even if I have to die with you I will NEVER......"  Yes, yes you will Peter, and you did.  And I think in many ways and at many times, we all deny Jesus- even if it is our desire not to.

So I take encouragement from the words "including Peter" .  It is a tremendous encouragement to me that in spite of Peter's denial (and ours) Christ's sacrifice trumps it.