February 24: Peter Declares That Jesus Is The Messiah

The Church of the Ascension Lenten Devotional

Share This Post

Mother Liz, in a recent sermon, referred to the mystery we call God. I’m awed and bow down before Mystery. Theology and Science meet at the point of mystery. Religion originated, as did science, in the awareness of mystery.

Without the consciousness of mystery there would be no intellectual curiosity, exploration, discovery. research, or faith. To comprehend and accept mystery, one must master the fear of the unknown. Too often that fear leads to the need for certainty when there is no certainty — and that is when religion serves “evil” rather than “good.”

Religion is not a rational system that can be factualized and verified. Though it is an irrational system, it doesn’t mean that it does not contain truths, even great truths. There is no proof that Jesus was and is the Messiah. We know Jesus in our hearts and that is where faith and belief begin. In our minds being a Christian is a journey leading us to the edge of Mystery.

 

  • Psalm 22:23-31
  • Genesis 16:7-15
  • Mark 8:27-30

 

 

More To Explore

Newsletter

Parish News: January 19

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects back on her ten years so far as rector at the Church of the Ascension. Also this week: parishioners who have pledged to support the church will receive email invitations to vote online in this year’s vestry and warden elections in anticipation of our 2025 annual meeting, which is always held the last Sunday of January: in other words, next week!

Read More →