And about an hour later, another man insisted strongly, « There isn’t any doubt that this man was with Jesus, because he is also a Galilean ! » But Peter answered, « Man, I don’t know what you are talking about ! » At once, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. The Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered that the Lord had said to him, «Before the cock crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me. »Peter went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22 : 59-61)
Do not fear !
Jesus is the Merciful One. Follow him !
Word of Claude
I am not surprised that saint Peter was inconsolable up to his death, for having lacked faith in Jesus Christ, whatever assurance of repentance he might have had for the remission of his crime. Can one recall anew that one offended such a good Teacher , without having a heart pierced with pain, and without conceiving mortal hatred against oneself ? Can one think that one has outraged him coldheartedly, for no reason, whilst having on the contrary, a thousand reasons to love him ; that one has for so long taken advantage of his gifts, his patience, his love, without dying from regret and repentance ?
« All this has been forgiven for you. The Lord has given you his word that he will never recall it : far from having resentment for it, he loves you even more than he did before your fall… »
