S&F: The Tale of 2 Disciples Part 2-The Cock Crows

Peter was given the keys to Heaven.  He was the rock on which Jesus would build his Church.  He was the first Pope.

In reading the Gospels over Lent I have learned the Peter was far from perfect.  In fact, none of the Apostles were.  There were many situations that Jesus was frustrated with them because they didn't understand Jesus's teachings or bickered amongst themselves about who was the greatest, wanting to be on Jesus's right and left in the kingdom.

But Peter was the chosen one, so he should be the most faithful, right?  Afterall, he did walk on water with Jesus (for a short time).  He was the one who, when asked knew that Jesus was the "...The Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

So what happened after Jesus's  arrest?  Peter stood next to his Master and proclaimed his faith for him?  Nope he denied him.  Not once but 3 times.  Then the cock crowed to remind Peter that Jesus had foretold exactly what had just happened.

So what did Peter do?  Did he go off and punish himself like Judas did?

No.  He wept, for he had denied the Lord, but this only made his faith stronger.  If you read the Gospels and the Act of the Apostles it becomes obvious that at that moment a change came to Peter.  He realized that his denial was a moment of weakness, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, he became the person Jesus knew he could be.  Proclaiming the resurrection, and leading the Church, showing the Way to God.

It took a moment, actually 3 moments, of weakness for Peter to realize his mission.  If we just listen hopefully we can find out what our mission for God is as well.  Not all of us are destined to lead a Church, but we are all destined to proclaim Jesus's love for all.  That is the Way for us to become one in Christ for eternity.