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BLURRED LINES

The Gospel

JOHN 18:15-17

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus. But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in. Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, "You are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."

Gospelthink: Peter denied that he knew me, a grave sin but he was overcome by fear. Do I allow outside forces to influence my thinking?

"He tried to domesticate you, just let me liberate you, you don’t need no papers, that man is not your maker. And that’s why I’m gonna take a good girl. I know you want it. Can’t let it get past me, you’re far from plastic. I hate these blurred lines, but you’re a good girl, the way you grab me."

Human feelings are complicated. Robin Thicke in his song "Blurred Lines" calls them "blurred." He is speaking of a love relationship, of course, and the situation of the song is a difficult one. The lady seems to be in a relationship with another, and the man is singing that he would like her to come to him. Consequently, the situation is "blurred" in his mind because he does not know whether she is or will be with him or not.

Almost every love relationship, whether romantic or otherwise, is complicated and confusing because human beings are involved. Our feelings do not follow any script or what we would like to see happen. Something may feel like a truth for one; another person may not feel that way at all. In fact, the same person may even have opposing feelings about the same situation at a different time.

Peter the Apostle truly loved Jesus. It was a love that he thought would guide his actions, and for the most part, it did. But he was human, and when he saw that there was a possibility of personal harm, his human feelings took over. He not only denied that he knew Jesus for one time, but according to the evangelists, his denial happened more than once. Peter's humanity made him weak, and he then gave into selfish reasoning, bringing about confusion. Luckily, in his future he was able to have a little better understanding about his feelings.

Sometimes you and I live in "blurred lines" because we are human beings who have complicated and confused feelings about love and life. Because of this humanity, we really cannot expect to have everything "together" all the time. We will suffer from mixed up feelings about romantic love relationships and our other relationships. It is important for us to be aware of just how complicated we are, and then to take the time to work out the confusions.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, our feelings are so complicated and confusing. Your Son felt this in a striking way as he worked with his fellow human beings. Give us the grace of understanding our human natures. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Relationships are often complicated and confusing.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. In the Gospel, Peter and the unnamed disciple followed Jesus when Jesus was taken prisoner. In your opinion, what should the disciples have done when Jesus was arrested?
2. Peter denied that he knew Jesus. What do you think was in Peter's mind at this time?
3. In today's world, what are some circumstances in which people deny that they know Jesus?
4. The song is criticizing how another man has treated a girlfriend. In relationships such as this, people can become uncharitable in their words. In your opinion, why do people often forget their Christian principles in this situation?
5. Text analysis: "He tried to domesticate you." What is the meaning of the sentence?
6. Text analysis: "Let me liberate you." What is the meaning of the sentence?
7. Text analysis: "I know you want it." It may or may not be true. When can we read another's mind?
8 Text analysis: "You're far from plastic." What is the meaning of the sentence?
9. Text analysis: "I hate these blurred lines." What is the meaning of the sentence?
10. When are the times in our lives when our feelings are the most complicated?
11. Why does our humanity make us "weak"?
12. What is the best way to take time to work out the confusions of life?
13. What does the song “Blurred Lines” teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike