Saints Peter and Paul
June 2007
I have read the Gospel of the vigil rather than the proper Gospel for today. Jesus asks Peter, not once but three times, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?'
This brings back very embarrassing memories for Peter. Being asked the third time reminds Peter painfully of his earlier boastful declaration: 'I will lay down my life for you'
followed by his cowardly, three times denial of knowing even whom Jesus was.
Jesus deliberately reminded Peter of his weakness, not to punish him or to exact revenge but to instil in him a sense of humility and compassionate tolerance towards the weaknesses of others. Only in this way could Peter be a fitting leader of Christ's followers.
We too need to remind ourselves constantly of our weaknesses, of our many broken promises and resolutions, of the many times when we have failed others and ourselves. This, not so as to burden ourselves with guilt and self loathing but so that we may grow in humility (which is truth) and treat others and ourselves with compassionate, understanding tolerance.