Readings:
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27

It is the end of summer, and some of us might be wondering about those things we hoped to do, but didn’t quite get to – where does the time go? We might find ourselves this week just exhausted with news cycles of war and discrimination, with fears for our environment or our future. If you are a minister, the new school year unfolds with families to meet, needs to attend to and strangers to welcome. The readings this week might have us asking “what more can I do?!” But I invite us to pause and consider a different perspective they offer as well: Yes, taking up our cross is hard work but maybe honesty with God is more prudent. Each reading weaves together both perspectives in unique ways.

Jeremiah notes in the first reading, “the word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach.” The psalmist laments how much he thirsts and Paul asks followers to, “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” We hear in the Gospel the call to take up our cross and follow, and the question “what more can I do” is valid. Each reading poses a challenge, almost a demand to do what is right and expected of a disciple and yet each is also an example of honesty with God.

Jeremiah starts off in a lament and honest frustration to God saying how hard it is to proclaim God’s word yet once he does, he also notices how his body is on fire. It is there in his core “like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones” that he realizes he needs to keep proclaiming the word of the Lord no matter the persecution. The Psalmist cries poignantly “My soul is thirsting” but also gazes toward the sanctuary and remembers God’s kindness. Paul encourages the Romans to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind that you may discern what is the will of God.” And in the Gospel, Peter speaks honestly that he doesn’t want Jesus to be killed. Although Jesus reproaches him to not think as humans do, but as God does, he was speaking his fears honestly.  

In each reading, there is lament at the tough road that needs to be taken, but lament is honest sharing, and God seems to meet us in those spaces and remind us to shift our gaze – we are not alone. 

Be honest with God. Feel deeply what you feel in your heart and bones. What news has you so upset that it brings you to tears; there is plenty that rolls across our screens daily, but it could also be closer to home – a loved one with cancer or a neighbor who has depression. What keeps burning for you as an invitation to respond? Whatever it is you are feeling, share it with God and be open to where the conversation in prayer takes you.

Shift your gaze. The Psalmist is crying out in lament but then gazes “toward you in the sanctuary” and remembers God’s kindness. Take time to gaze – to catch glimpses of God’s nearness and love. It may be in a sanctuary, or a beautiful landscape, it may be a child’s laughter. Spend time gazing, drinking from the deep well of God’s nearness. It is good to cry out to God; that in and of itself reminds us we are not alone. God is near, the communion of saints sustains you. 

Be humble. Paul encourages us to transform our minds so as to align ourselves with the will of God. We do that through humility – letting go of our convictions, opinions, or other thoughts that hold us back from hearing God’s voice. Transformation takes humility to consider we might be wrong, that we might not have it all figured out. Even when we are sure we are right, as Peter must have felt in his protective comment to Jesus, we have to remain humble and discern how to “think as God does, not as humans do” 

When we think with exhaustion, “what more can I do?”; when we lament how hard the road is, it helps to be honest with God, to remember God is near, and to remain humble. The readings today name how hard it is to do this work of discipleship, how much we sacrifice, the ways we are persecuted. But we are also reminded to be honest with God – God hears our laments, holds our exhaustion and reminds us that we can do what is being asked because we are never alone. 

Christina Zaker, D.Min.
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Director of Field Education.