…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone…

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into Christ’s wonderful light.  1 Peter 2:5, 7, 9

Dirty Robes

 – Devotions in the Letters from Peter

If I wore a robe, I can see myself tripping on the hem, or fighting to get my arms free of billowy sleeves.  I’m not big on fancy clothing. 

We’re called to be holy, and not just holy – you and I are a holy and royal priesthood of believers.  A picture comes to my mind’s eye of priests in billowy robes, all prim and proper.  True, some priests stand around looking very priestly, immaculate in their robes and sashes, with spit-shined halos.  But don’t you think that, with a title like priest, we’re expected to do the priest thing – not just look the part? 

So I ask… Are you standing there looking good in your robe, with sash neatly pressed and tied, and hair looking magnificent?  Or is your robe getting dirty?

Invitation to pray: Shepherd, it’s hard to believe I’m a priest.  I thought that was a title reserved for seminary-trained clergy!  I want to get my robe dirty doing Christian, my sash stained with my tears and the tears of those I laugh with, and cry with.  If I don’t enter heaven with my halo bent and tarnished, I’d be tempted to think I didn’t do Christian good enough.  Above all, please don’t let the dirt on my robe be the dust of disuse.  Amen.