Article Archive

He remembered the word of the Lord, "I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me."  He went out and began to weep bitterly.  Luke 22:61-62

Today's Gospel for Palm Sunday is the Passion of our Lord.  It is a drama that begins the start of the holiest week of the church year.  It is a lengthy reading and takes on a drama of it's own in various scenes.  One visually and emotionally dramatic scene in this story is the Peter's denial of Jesus. Peter was the the one who spoke out more than any other disciple. You knew what Peter was thinking...and so did Jesus. 

Peter, the one whom Jesus entrusted the keys to the kingdom

Peter, the only person to ever walk on water.

Peter, the one whom Jesus said he was the rock on whom the church would be built. 

Peter, the one who first said, you are the Messiah.

Now Peter denies three times that he ever knew him. 

The shame Peter felt is the same feeling we might have when we stand in front of our Lord on our last day and review every sin we committed.  A sobering thought indeed.

Question for Reflection

Are you Peter? Have you ever been ashamed or questioned about your faith and been reticent to respond? 

Lord Jesus, forgive me of my doubts and occasional unbelief and give me the courage to stand with you at the foot of the cross.

Mark 14:72

Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." He broke down and wept.

Today is Palm Sunday, and the passion narative is long but compelling.  It is a drama that begins the start of the holiest week of the church year.  One visually and emotionally dramatic scene in this story is the Peter's denial of Jesus.  Peter, the first to be called by Jesus to follow him…Peter, the one whom Jesus entrusted the keys to the kingdom…Peter, the only person to ever walk on water. Peter, the one whom Jesus said was the rock upon which the church would be built. Peter, the one who first said to Jesus, you are the Messiah. Now, under pressure, Peter denies three times he ever knew him.  How does this relate to us?  In times of trial, do you question where Jesus is?  Do you question that he even exists?  Or, during the good times, when things are going well, is it you that made it happen, or did Jesus have a hand in it?  Are you Peter?