Friday of Easter Week

April 25, 2003

Again it seems almost ironic in this year when we read St. Mark’s gospel every Sunday. We would usually commemorate the anniversary of his martyrdom on April 25, but because it is the Easter Octave (the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection) all other feasts during this time are transferred or suppressed.

Nevertheless, in the context of growth recognition, of which we have been speaking for the last few weeks, allow me to say a few words about St. Mark. In all of the gospels there is described the episode of the rich young man who comes to Jesus asking what must I do be saved and to inherit everlasting life.

Jesus answered, “Keep the commandments,” to which he answered, “I do and I have since my youth.” Jesus then said, “Do one more thing; give away all that you have and come and be my disciple.” The man went away sad because he had many possessions.

His possessions, that which he had, bound him, like chains. Only in Mark’s gospel, however, do we find the phrase, “Jesus looked at him with love.” Is it possible, perhaps probable, that the man, who saw the look of love in Jesus eyes and heart, was the evangelist himself, for only he makes mention of it.

Likewise in the Passion account of Palm Sunday, which this year we read from St. Mark, it is the only one of the four in which there is described a rich young man hiding in the bushes and when discovered flees leaving his linen toga behind. Is this linen toga symbolic of all worldly riches? Is Mark again describing himself in his gospel, his own conversion story?

For us who are separated by 2,000 years of history and have never witnessed Jesus with our physical eyes, it can be difficult to distinguish the strength that comes from knowing Jesus and the power of His Name, from that of our own stubborn will. Peter’s personality had always been stubborn; so thick that Jesus actually changed his name from Simon to Peter, the Rock. But was this stubbornness now just another manifestation of his human personality or was it truly transformed and renewed faith?

Earlier this week, I spoke about name recognition and relationship and how from that comes the humility to accept forgiveness and reconciliation, not only of sins, but at a much deeper level of shame.

True faith is rooted in humility, which enables us to let go of ourselves, to let go of our own will, and to let the power of Jesus work in us. As we look again at the gospel. Jesus delicately and lovingly engages with Peter in a pivotal moment that will enable Peter to see for himself his great love for Jesus and the power of that love that is greater than any opposing power that might try to keep him bound in the memory and the toxic shame of his human failures.

Peter and the others had already received the Holy Spirit and the gift of forgiveness, peace and serenity; and had been told to share these gifts with others. Jesus name has an authority and power that goes beyond simple memory, it is active and forceful, it cuts to the very heart.

Something was still eating away inside Peter. His eyes riveted on that charcoal fire, unable to recognize the man until John tells him it is the Lord.

Immediately Peter makes a deliberate decision to go to the Lord. I firmly believe it is no co-incidence that the last chapter of the last gospel is in clear contrast with the opening pages of Genesis, where the first humans were deceived to fear and hide from God in shame; feeling no longer worthy to be what God has created us to be, the image of God, the children of God.

Just as Jesus stepped out of the stone blocked tomb, liberated from death; Peter was able to come out of his stone encrusted emotions and realize that liberation is real. Jesus wanted Peter and all of us to see that while we are human and make mistakes, the power of love is able to overcome a multitude of human failings. This was one of the most encouraging interventions that anyone could experience.

Peter was now able to understand that in spite of his imperfections, he could still serve Jesus fully. Jesus seeks to have this same exchange with us, to burn away the cross of doubt and enkindle in our hearts the fire of love. We will continue to make mistakes; only God is perfect. But as we publicly declare our love for Jesus, and our love for the power of His name; that love will become visible proof of His ability to make His kingdom of serenity and peace a reality on this earth.