LISTEN. . .Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.(John 18:25-27)
CONSIDER. . .In today's scripture, we hear the story of Peter vehemently betraying Jesus--his friend and Lord--three times. Jesus courageously offered himself to those who came to arrest him. In contrast, Peter denied the one who so freely gave his life. But Jesus forgave Peter and restored him to full relationship. Jesus put Peter back on his feet. Jesus suffered in love to save us and set us free. He is present today wherever people are betrayed by their friends, accused falsely, treated unjustly, stripped of their human dignity, abused or violated in any way.
SO WHAT. . .Today, Good Friday, we remember that we are not alone on our journey through the sufferings of this life and that our journey is never without meaning and purpose. No matter how many times we lose our footing under the weight of our crosses, God always responds with mercy and sends a "Simon" to catch us, set us on our feet and place us on the path of everlasting life.
PRAYER. . . Dear God, help put me back on my feet, restore me into a full relationship with you. May I always know that I am not alone and that you are with me. When I am betrayed by friends and treated unjustly catch me and put me back on the right path. May I never deny you. Amen.
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