I can only imagine how the apostles felt the day after Jesus'
crucifixion. Their fear, anguish, loneliness, and doubt must
have been almost insurmountable. Their Lord and best
friend had died in agony and they themselves risked a
similar fate. Huddled together in their small apartment, what
was their conversation like? Was anyone bold and reckless
enough to say, "What if this wasn't real? What if everything
we worked so hard for has come to nothing? What if we
never see or hear from Jesus again?"
As I write this, it is Monday, January 16--the day our nation
celebrates the life of Martin Luther King. After his
assassination, I imagine his followers felt much like the
disciples did after Jesus' death. They too had lost their
leader and dear friend. Now what would happen to their
hopes and dreams--the new world they had worked so hard
to build?
I'm sure both groups prayed like they had never prayed
before for God's guidance and salvation. And thanks be to
God, their prayers were answered. Informed by Christianity,
the civil rights movement has made tremendous progress in
this country for equality and justice. And faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ--the hope and anchor of the world--has
sustained and led Christians throughout the millennia as we
work together to build the kingdom of God. Thank you God
for drawing near to us when we call and strengthening us
during our times of doubt and fear! Alleluia and Amen!
Psalm 88; Lamentations 3:37-58; Hebrews 4:1-16
These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.
