V - Peter Denies Jesus
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
While Peter was down in the courtyard, one of the servants of the high
priest noticed Peter warming himself; she looked closely at him and said, “You too were with Jesus of Nazareth.” But he denied it saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” Then he went out into the gateway. At that moment a cock crowed. The servant, keeping an eye on him started to tell the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” Once again Peter denied it. A little later the bystanders said to him, “You are certainly one of them! You are a Galilean, are you not?” He began to swear, “I do not know the man you are talking about!” Just then a second cockcrow was heard and Peter recalled the prediction Jesus had made to him, “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” He broke down and began to cry.(Mk 14:66-72)
Lord God, not wishing to abandon his teacher, Peter followed the crowd from a distance and entered the courtyard. But out of fear that he would be arrested or called upon to testify against Jesus, Peter denied ever knowing him.
How often, through our words and actions, we also deny knowing Jesus and his way of love. Fearful of not being accepted, we speak and act in ways contrary to his teaching. Give us the courage to follow Jesus no matter how difficult the journey may be. May all our words and actions proclaim our faith in him. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified and risen,
have mercy on us.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.