"I do not know the man!"

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After a brief prayer at the Western Wall, I had the opportunity to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection at the Church of St. Peter Gallicantu. (Gallicantu is Latin for cock-crow.)

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly (Matt 26:69-75).

Thank God for the humanity of Peter. Recently, my mom and I were talking about how comforting it is to know of Peter’s weakness. We, too, often feel weak and recognize the need for the love and forgiveness of Jesus in our own lives. In the Gospels, this story does not end with Peter weeping bitterly. The story continues after Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection. As we witness Jesus walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Peter leaps into the water and runs to the Risen Lord. On the beach, the Risen Christ asks him three times, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter is invited by these three questions, which parallel the three denials, to experience the love and mercy offered to him by Christ. This same love and mercy is offered to each of us, especially when we feel like “weeping bitterly” because of our own sinfulness, denial of Christ, or broken humanity. So next time you feel as if a cock is crowing in your life, be assured that Christ is more than willing to walk along the shores of your story and invite you into His love and mercy.

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Photos

Mount of Olives
View from St. Peter Gallicantu

Comments

[Susann Ozuk.]

Jesus Knows Us
Mike, I have been enjoying your blog, and pictures. I feel like I am traveling along with you. This line from your reflection today really stood out to me: "So next time you feel as if a cock is crowing in your life, be assured that Christ is more than willing to walk along the shores of your story and invite you into His love and mercy." You made such a beautiful connection between what we may feel as separation (cock crowing) and have invited us to realize that Christ is always willing to be with us in love and mercy.

[Wallking on Holy Ground]

thanks
Thanks, Susan. Glad you are enjoying; its been a good way for me to collect my thoughts each evening.