4.5.23 - Mark 14: 51-52
Fear is as natural as breathing. Yet, it's not intended to last very long. What permission do you need today to move beyond your fears?
A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.
What stands out to me the most in the gospel retellings of Jesus’ arrest, beating, trials, and crucifixion is TRAUMA. There is just so much of it.
We can sometimes be critical of the disciples all too human reactions in these passages. I wonder if we judge them harshly because of our own shame and responses that often fall short.
The only person who seems to be able to navigate the trauma here in any sort of calm state is Jesus.
One lesson that I’ve learned from working with, studying, and healing from trauma is the importance of affirming our will to live and forgiving ourselves for what we did to survive.
The disciples' sweet animal bodies took over and kept them alive. Bless them.
I know we’re not to the Resurrection yet, but I’m not writing next week, so I’m going there!
Jesus seems to understand and forgive the disciples for their responses. And, they go on to do brave, world-changing things.
Perhaps there is an opportunity for us here. Perhaps we can reframe the tenderness of the times when we have “failed to be brave” as times that we kept ourselves alive, kept ourselves safe.
What permission do you need to move forward bravely today? What message do you need to share with others?
--Theo Isoz
Want to help us out? Share us with others. Your support helps us continue this work.
We pay our writers an equitable wage, use the donation button below to help ensure our growth and longevity.