Homily for 10am BCP Communion. Wednesday 4th April 2007
Wednesday in Holy Week (wk.before Easter)

True friendship
Gospel; Luke Chap. 22 vv. 1-71 (whole chap.)
vv. 54-71 for homily ( Peter denies Jesus)

May I speak in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

A week ago I had to spend most of the day lying flat on my back in part of the hospital. During the time of being prepared for the investigation I felt comforted encouraged and supported by the gentle caring nature of the ward staff. They quickly became friends. People I felt that I could trust and feel comfortable with. Apparently I appeared to be quite anxious early on!

Perhaps more usually, friends are people we have grown to know over quite a long time. When we first attended school, or college, our jobs, we have been brought into contact with others. Some may well have continued into long lasting friendships.

Many such companionships are important in encouraging and supporting us along our life’s journey. Being part of a group, or as individuals, with which we can share both the joys and pains of of daily life. An acknowledgment that we are facing and trying to cope with similar experiences. It is comforting to know that friends are there when we need them.

But eventually my turn came to leave the small ward with its’ friends and to be led away to another area with different people and much expensive equipment. I soon felt very vulnerable and alone despite these new people being close by.
Jesus had been with his 12 friends through most of his ministry. Despite all their misunderstandings, fears and doubts, they had become men to give mutual support and encouragement to each other and to Jesus.

Peter is reported as being a rather special person who from his working class fisherman background, Jesus had noted and was nurturing his qualities of strong leadership.

This chapter of Luke’s gospel tells of the importance of the Passover meal, the last supper, final conversations with the disciples and the eventual arrest of Jesus.

Jesus has now been separated from his friends and supporters to face the climax of his ministry. Perhaps not physically alone, but surrounded by other groups that were decidedly unfriendly, considered themselves powerful and were actively hostile to this man who had been troubling them for some time.

How he must have felt, isolated and vulnerable. Also knowing how all this was going to end, in a very painful death. Just the sort of time when the comfort and support of close friends is needed most.

Peter is curious as to what will happen next. He does not run away. He perhaps feels somewhat reassured to watch the proceedings from a distance. But direct questions and accusations of being associated with Jesus reveal his weakness.
Can we identify with him? Are their times when we might feel vulnerable, threatened, in fear of what might be the outcome of our continuing loyalty?

It is easy to be part of a band of dependable, close friends during the good times. Sharing the joys of life together.
But how might we react when one of our friends faces a really bad patch that possibly might even draw us in to suffer along side them? Does fear for our own well-being take over, like Peter, and we vehemently try to deny any association with our friend in trouble?

During this Holy Week we are invited to place our hearts and minds to stay with Jesus as he journeys to Calvary. To share in his suffering so that we might better experience the joy of his resurrection on Easter morning.
It was a comforting relief to be returned to friends in the ward to complete my recovery until deemed ready to come home.

May God strengthen and encourage us to face the difficult, challenging times so to better appreciate the wonders and joys of life that He gives us.

Amen