Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
Let’s face the fact: God believes in second chances. Throughout history, the concept of a second chance has captivated hearts and minds, reminding us that redemption is always within reach. That is another “plus” for us who desire it as we live out our days on earth.
The bible tells of several “second chance people” whose lives took unexpected turns, often leading them down paths fraught with mistakes. Samson and David come to mind from the pages of the Old Testament. But for us today the spotlight falls on St. Peter, the man featured in two of our three Readings for today’s Mass.
We read of Peter’s denial transformed into steadfast leadership of the Church. As we delve deeper into his remarkable tale, I think we can take encouragement and enjoy the Holy Spirit’s inspiration that lets us embrace our own imperfections and even seek new beginnings in our own lives. After all, Peter is a saint and our first pope!
We know that Peter was one of Our Lord’s closest disciples. Yet he was also a person who experienced a major failure in loyalty to Christ. You remember Holy Thursday night in the High priest’s courtyard. “I tell you I do not know the man!” Peter swore to the maid. As Bishop Sheen put it: “Judas got His lips, but Peter got His eyes.” With that, Peter wept bitterly. This is the same impetuous man who had confidently declared that he would never deny Jesus, even if it meant facing death. However, when the moment of testing came, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times as Jesus was arrested and taken to trial. That denial was not just a failure of courage, but a deep betrayal of the One he had vowed to follow. Awful! But that is truly you and me when we sin.
But what do we read or hear today? That after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter’s shame and regret were met grace! In one of the most moving scenes in the New Testament, Jesus asked Peter three times “Do you love Me? –mirroring the three times Peter had denied Him. With each response, Jesus restored Peter and gave him a new mission to “feed His sheep” and continue the work of spreading the Gospel, as he does courageously before the Sanhedrin in today’s excerpt from Acts. “I shall obey God rather than men and continue to preach His name!”
So, today’s main takeaway is this: Our failures do not define us! Jesus offers forgiveness, restoration and purpose even after our worst moments of betrayal. This is the Gospel. And today He comes to us in Holy Communion. Does God believe in second chances? Count your own number and answer the question, if you will.
God love you and give you His peace.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Acts 5: 27-32, 40b-41
Here we find the foundational premise for civil disobedience in the stance that St. Peter takes before the accusing Sanhedrin. Believers like us can never submit to human authority if it contradicts God’s laws.
Reading II: Revelation 5:11-14
This wondrous vision presents us with a picture of countless angels gathered to praise the Lord and the Lamb who was slain for our sins.
The Gospel: John 21: 1-19, or 21: 1-14
Peter is again featured in this epilogue section apparently added on to the text of the gospel. His profession of love to the Lord is set in reminders of his previous denial of Christ. Jesus offers His chosen “Rock of Ages” a second chance.