Idealism Lost

Submitted by Ralph McCluggage:


Readings:  Isaiah 49:1-6;  John 13:21-38

Scripture:
Jesus said to [Judas], "What you are going to do, do quickly.". . .
Jesus answered [Peter],. . .
"Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times"
(John 13,27,38)

Reflection:  They were both part of Jeus' group of twelve.
   One was an idealist.   He found the charismatic Jesus a compelling leader and his message one of extraordinary hope and vision.  Establishing the kingdom of God in the here and now was enormously appealing to such a young, enthusiastic zealot.  But as the months stretched into years, ye lost his idealism--or he grew impatient with the lack of practical progress Jesus was making.  Shouldn't Jesus be using his considerable gifts to take on the established order and entrenched leadership to create the new kingdom he kept talking about?  Prayers and piety are one thing, but this was the time for action.  Over time, hjis unrealized hopes brought him disappointment, sadness, frustration, anger and bitterness.
   Judas the idealist had become Judas the cynic.
   The other was the headstrong leader of the group.  Whatever the issue, he charged ahead.  he would ask the hard questions and was willing to say what was on everyone's mind.  He often served as Jesus' foil.  He was the only one of the Twelve to say it:  "You are the Messiah" (Matt. 16:16).  But then Jesus the Wonder-Worker, the Rabbi, the Beloved of God, became Jesus the Accused, the Condemned, the Crucified.
   Peter's hope was trumped by fear,=.  At the sound of the crowing cock, Peter had to face the sad reality that his beliefs did not match his words.
   The stories of Judas and Peter are stories of enthusiasm athat fade over time, hope that deteriorates in the wake of constant disappointment, idealism that shatters in the face of hard reality.  Both men are unable to understand that the journey to Easter is by the way of the cross.
   Their experience in the Holy Week gospel is not unlike ours.  To experience the new life of the Easter Christ demands our passing over with him from the death of self to the re-creating of the heart in the compassion of God.

Meditation:  What beliefs or principles have you lost faith in or have you become cynical about?

Prayer:  Gracious God, do not let us lose hope in the possibilities of your compassion and mercy in our own time and place.  May your grace sustain our hope in  your life conquering death, your spirit of reconciliation healing estrangement, your justice reigning over all peoples and nations.


from Daily Reflections for Lent by Jay Cormier