They come in threes - August 29, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 16, 17; PM Psalm 22; 1 Kings 5:1-6:1,7; Acts 28:1-16; Mark 14:27-42

There is a saying about things happening in threes. Usually those “things” are unwelcomed challenges, rather than happy spots of joy. For example, my car has had a string of issues lately. New brakes, with follow-up adjustments. A nail lodged awkwardly in the sidewall of a tire. And yesterday: three rocks. Three little pieces of gravel were trapped between the rotor and the heat shield in my front tire. An unbearable metallic racket erupted whenever the wheels moved – like nails scratching a chalkboard. It rendered my car undrivable, and we called for a tow truck. The mechanic said my car is going through a season of poor luck and suggested an exorcist. I laughed!

While my car issues have not sent me into a “pity party,” repeated disappointments and loss can make resilience tough. We look at our own lives and the losses in our world. We turn our eyes to God and ask, “Are you even here? Are you with me? Are you with us in this?”

God’s answer comes through Jesus, “I am with you always, even until the end of this time.” (Matthew 28:20) Jesus knows disappointment and heartache, and he endures through it. In Mark’s gospel today, he and his disciples go to Gethsemane after the lovely meal we call the Last Supper. Jesus asks them to sit with him while he prays, “Remain here, and keep awake.” While deep in prayer to God about the hard sacrifices ahead, Peter, James, and John cannot keep their eyes open. Jesus finds them sleeping and asks that they stay alert. It happens three times. They want to support their friend – and yet they fail. They don’t even know what to say to explain themselves.

The thrice disappointment of Jesus’ friends does not shake his love for them. He goes to them and says the time has come for them to proceed to the next thing, facing examination by the high priest and the authorities – and is ultimately sentenced to death.

Jesus models steadiness in the face of disappointment and uncertainty. He does not ignore the hardship. He faces circumstances and people with grace and honesty. Surely he tired of hard things happening in threes…and he is with us when we are there, too. Take heart this day, in the face of joys and disappointments. God loves you and you are not alone.

Always with God’s help,
Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

 Lift up prayers today for those who are having an "off" day, with challenges to the left and right. Pray that they feel God's closeness this moment.

Be attentive to those around you today who need some extra grace. Send a letter of hope. Sit on the porch with someone who is lonely.