Peter's Road to Easter— And It Could Be Ours, Too

Have you ever made a big mistake in your life? Have you ever made six really big mistakes in your life—and now when you look back on them, you’re so embarrassed that you want to cringe? What makes it worse is that somebody else knows about it and they remind you of those mistakes.

- Fr. Bob McConaghy

Well, if you’ve failed in your life, you’re in good company. Let me introduce you to someone whose mistakes we are all reminded of every year. His name is Peter. He would become Saint Peter, but on one particular day, he made six huge mistakes and looked anything but a saint.

It all started at the Last Supper. Jesus did something very unusual. At the end of the meal, He put on a towel around His waist. Only the lowliest servants did that. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet. When He came to Peter, he said, “You’re not going to wash my feet.” Big mistake number one.

Jesus was trying to teach him something he couldn’t get for three long years. The Lord had chosen Peter to be the leader, but he had to learn that you have to be first and foremost a servant.

Big mistake number two involved Peter’s ego and pride. At the dinner table, Jesus said, “One of you will deny me. One of you will betray me.” Peter looked around at the others and said, “Well, I can see how these guys might do that, but I’ll never betray You.” Jesus replied, “Oh, you won’t betray Me, will you? Before the cock crows three times, you will deny Me.” And Peter thought to himself, “There’s no way.”