As the Rooster Crows

AM Psalm 26, 28 • PM Psalm 36, 39
1 Kings 8:65-9:9 • James 2:14-26 • Mark 14:66-72

Everyone is familiar with the story of Peter denying Jesus described in Mark this week. It is a story that is drilled into us as Christians and I think one that often gets overlooked as cliche. It is important that we continually learn from stories in the Bible, even the stories we've heard a thousand times.

As humans our faith will be tested and we will be tempted to deny Jesus. Denial can be through direct action, like Peter, or it can be more indirect, like not speaking up against insults against our religion or intentionally hiding aspects of our faith.

I started college in Colorado two weeks ago. At home I was surrounded by supportive Christian friends and a loving church that held me accountable; here I am one of two Christians on my floor and my faith is tested daily. I have been pressured to do things I don't agree with, made fun of for being religious, and have had people assume they know how I feel about everything because of their preconceptions about Christians. When I told people I was Episcopalian, numerous people said, “Oh, so you only eat fish?”

Being a Christian can be very lonely. Denying Jesus can seem to promise safety and the human connection we all crave. However, the hatred we experience is often times just disguised ignorance. It is important to remember that no one can fulfill our lives like God can and with him, we are never truly alone. We must trust in God, even when he leads us right and everyone else goes left. We must stand by our beliefs when they are questioned and show God’s love through our actions. If we mess up, like all humans do, and hear a rooster crow, we should learn from our mistakes as Peter did.

Written by Hadley Thomas

Hadley is currently a biochemical engineering student at Colorado School of Mines. She is passionate about her faith and is excited to share her perspective and interpretations with the amazing congregation of Saint Paul’s.