Peter denies Christ – The Noontimes

Mark 14:66-72: A False and Dangerous Road

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Paraphrasing from the commentary in the BIBLIA DE LA AMÉRICA: Ssimultaneously, Master and disciple move through a process. With an intentional gradation, the story presents us with Peter’s triple denial as he completes Jesus’ prediction to the letter (Mark 14:30). Mark reminds us that when we rely on self alone we journey down a false and dangerous road. (LA BIBLIA DE LA AMÉRICA 1537) I am wondering . . . why we insist on being so willful when God stands ready to help us at every turn.

This very night, before the cock crows three times, you will betray me. It still amazes me that Jesus is such a constant companion to us who do worse than ignore him, to us who contradict and even reject him. I am still surprised at the enormity of Jesus’ patience that he abides with us beyond our disagreement with him; he remains to suffer the buffeting blows we deliver with our lack of faith, love and understanding. It still startles me each time I read this passage to know that the patient and persevering Christ suffers intensely for us while all the while we cannot summon the courage to allow him to protect us and to take us in.

Even though I should have to die with you I would not deny you.

tissot-second-denial-of-st-peter-1836-1902[1] — *Tissot: Second Denial of St. Peter*

Human fear is a powerful motivator. Fear of starving keeps us working. Fear of being alone keeps us seeking. Fear of failure keeps us struggling. Our hubris somehow blots out all reality; our envy blinds us to the outcomes that are easy predictions to others. This is a dark and dangerous road on which to journey, this path we take when we deny, refute and reject salvation.

You too were with the Nazarene, Jesus.

How many times in a day are we asked to stand on principle, to tell truth, to fill an omission that another intentionally commits? How many times do we step up, come forward, stand in solidarity to witness in humility and love?

I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.

apostle_peter_denies_christ-400[1] — *Rembrandt: The Apostle Peter Denies Christ*

This story should always be told in complement with the ending from John 21 when the resurrected Jesus thrice asks Peter if he loves him and Peter replies: You know all things. You know that I do. This joyful ending to a horrible story reminds us that the Master and disciple move in tandem toward an inevitable end. This wonderful turning at the end of John’s Gospel shows what we yearn to know. God brings goodness out of harm, God keeps promises, God always offers multiple opportunities of conversion, God wants to lead us away from the false and dangerous road of deceit, subterfuge, and lies. God wants us to choose life over death, light over dark, goodness over evil, service over power, humility over fame, the marginalized over the in-crowd.

Do you love me more than these?

Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.

Feed my lambs.

Do you love me?

Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.

Tend my sheep.

Do you love me?

Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.

Feed my sheep . . . Follow me.

LA BIBLIA DE LA AMÉRICA. 8th. Madrid: La Casa de la Biblia, 1994. Print.

A re-post from December 2, 2011.

Images from: http://www.fineartprintsondemand.com/artists/rembrandt/apostle_peter_denies_christ.htm and http://devotionalonjesus.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html and http://www.eons.com/photos/group/catholics-50-3/photo/709583-Peter-Denies-Jesus-three-times/jesus—lent-passion-easter

The Noontimes

Tag: Peter denies Christ

Mark 14:66-72: A False and Dangerous Road

Tag: Peter denies Christ

Mark 14:66-72: A False and Dangerous Road

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