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FEBRUARY 8
FELLOWSHIP OF THE WEAK & THE STRONG
“…Then Peter and the other disciple (John) set out and went toward
the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran
Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the
linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came,
following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying
there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen
wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who
reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet
they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.” (Jn
20:3-9)
Peter and John run to the tomb, having heard the disturbing news from
Mary Magdalene that it was empty. It is understandable that John, the
youngest of the disciples, runs faster than the older Peter. What is more
remarkable is that John, who faithfully remained by the Cross to the
very end, still has an open heart to Peter, who just recently thrice denied
Christ. So at this point, John is “stronger” than Peter, but John’s heart is
no less open to him.
In fact, John follows Peter’s lead when they get to the tomb. John’s sensitive
nature doesn’t allow him to enter the tomb. He stands in trepidation or
perhaps confusion, just peeking in to see the abandoned linen wrappings.
Here Peter’s strength of character is a help to John, because Peter doesn’t
think twice when he gets to the tomb. He hurries inside, and John follows.
Now, inside the tomb, John is once again the “stronger” one, because John
“sees and believes,” while Peter remains in the dark. Peter, apparently
bogged down by his denial of Christ, is not quick to recognize light and
hope when they stare him in the face. Thus a denial of Christ makes us
condemn ourselves, even when God is offering us light.
I remind myself today of this remarkable fellowship of the disciples, both
in strength and weakness. God supports my faith, at its strong and weak
points, through other faithful, whatever their strengths or weaknesses.
Let me have an open heart today, and remember that God works through
other people.
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