The evangelist writes as if for the
theatre,
scenes that have been re-enacted
by countless ecclesiastical ensembles
for millennia.
In the final act of his disturbing
drama
the lead character returns unexpectedly
to centre stage
and is brought face to face with a
once-trusted friend.
One who famously abandoned him
at a time of desperate need.
We, who also know the bitter taste of
failure,
squirm awkwardly with the fisherman
as his master invites him, three times,
to reaffirm his devotion.
The brash confidence of previous boasts
has been supplanted by the shame
of his pre-dawn denials.
Self-assured words no longer come
readily
to his lips.
Jesus is gracious, accepting;
he does not chastise.
There is work to be done,
there are journeys to be completed,
there are sheep to be tended;
failures, too, are needed.
©
Ken Rookes 2016
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