August 16

Duty After Privilege

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” — Matt 17:4 BSB

It’s no surprise that Peter was the one to say this—it’s just like him. He wanted to stay on the mountaintop with the heavenly vision and avoid going back down to the struggles and sorrows of life on earth. It seemed like such a heavenly place that he didn’t want to leave. And it certainly was good to be there, but they couldn’t stay. There was important work waiting for them in the world below. At the foot of the mountain was a poor demon-possessed boy whom the disciples couldn’t heal—the Master was needed there. And farther ahead lay Gethsemane, the judgment hall, and the cross—Jesus had to complete His mission of atonement. For Peter, there was Pentecost ahead, with years of service and, eventually, martyrdom.

Devotion is good. It’s wonderful to commune with God in prayer, in church, or at the sacramental table. But we can’t spend all our time in these holy exercises. While we enjoy these moments of spiritual rapture, we must not forget that there are people outside who need help and love. We must tear ourselves away from even the most beautiful spiritual experiences to go down and serve others. Religion is not just for personal enjoyment; God gives us spiritual refreshment so we can be strong for loving service.

Hark, hark! a voice amid the quiet intense!
It is thy duty waiting thee without.
Open thy door straightway, and get thee hence;
Go forth into the tumult and the shout;
Work, love, with workers, lovers all about;
Then, weary, go thou back with failing breath,
And in thy chamber make thy prayer and moan.
One day upon His bosom, all thine own,
Thou shalt lie still, embraced in holy death.