Poor Peter – he just seems to get himself into it, doesn’t he? Consider his record. He trusted Jesus and walked on water – then became frightened, looked away, and started to sink. Later, he proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah, and not long after saying this, he told Jesus not to talk of dying and was instantly and harshly rebuked. Along with others, he has a miraculous vision, but instead of taking it in, he is determined to make three tents. And then, in one of the readings for today (Matthew 26:14-27:66), he swears he will never deny Jesus. Really?
How often, like Peter, we also find it hard to navigate a balance between our beliefs and those of the world. Sometimes, like Peter, we don’t do so well. When this happens, thankfully, again, like Peter, we too will be forgiven.