I didn’t eat the cookies off the countertop, says the child with crumbs all over his face. I didn’t break the speed limit, says the driver, despite seeing the radar report from the highway patrolman. And, I didn’t spread that rumor about you, despite the “receipts” on the social media account. I didn’t commit the crime, despite video evidence to the otherwise. All of these examples of denials happen commonly. Denials range in degree of seriousness, but are denials, nonetheless.
Peter’s Denials
I’m focusing on denials as today we read the famous passage where Peter is told by Jesus about the 3 denials of Him that Peter will make in the next few hours. Peter denies out loud, and probably internally, that he would never deny Christ. He says out loud that he would rather die than deny his friend and Savior, Jesus. Certainly, Peter had good intentions, but he indeed denied Christ 3 times.
When he realized that he had actually denied Jesus 3 times publicly, reminded by the cock’s crow, he wept bitterly, for he realized what he had done.
Deny Each Day
How many times do we deny Christ each day? We may not make bold, public denial statements like Peter did, but we can quietly deny Christ all day long. There are golden opportunities to bless instead of curse, offer a gesture of kindness instead of hurt, and offer a moment of warmth instead of coldness. Do we refuse to go to Confession, refuse to go to Mass, and refuse to pick up the Bible? Do we keep our mouth shut, when we have the perfect opportunity to defend our Faith, our Church, or our God? I also feel that the quote “if you are not for me, you are against me” comes in to play here.
Making Up for It
Peter showed deep remorse when he realized what he had done. I am not trying to elicit Catholic guilt, but hopefully we realize when we have made a quiet denial of our Faith.
At the fish breakfast at the beach shortly after the Resurrection, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to tell Jesus that he loved him, 3 times, to counteract the 3 denials. In my mind, that was the chance for Peter to make up with Jesus, and do better. Peter was then ordered to take care of his flock, which is us!
As we rapidly approach the end of Lent, let’s have our own fish breakfast with Jesus. Try to find 3 opportunities this week to share your Faith, even if it’s in a non-Churchy way. Be kind, quote a Bible verse, offer someone a blessing, offer to pray for someone, compliment someone for openly wearing a cross or crucifix, or do something else in your own way.
Have a Blessed Easter…it’s just a few days away!
Thank you…can use this reflection as I examine my life everyday and realize how weak I am and go to the Blessed Sacrament and acknowledge Jesus’ love. I believe Lord, help my unbelief.