Thursday: “Peter’s Faith”
…I’m proud of the knowledge
I’ve gained through the years;
ashamed of my ignorance,
hypocrisies, fears.
I seek a god I know little of;
denying his presence in moments of need.
Excerpt from “Contradictions” was first published in Nosotros Anthology: A Collection of Latino Poetry and Graphics from Chicago, Revista Chicano-Riqueña 5, no. 1 (1977), edited by David Hernández. It is reprinted with permission of Kayla González Huertas.
Scripture Reading
“While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.”
(Mark 14:66-72)
Take With You
Peter may be the most relatable figure in the Gospels. He is bold, impulsive, and deeply sincere. When danger appears, he reaches for a sword. When Jesus asks who he is, Peter speaks up first in faith. Beneath all that courage, though, is a familiar insecurity: Am I doing enough?
In difficult seasons, even when we know who God is, doubt can creep in. Not because God has changed but because, like Peter walking on water, we notice the wind and waves. This time, it wasn’t a storm that made him sink. It was the noise of opinions and fear. He could fight physically, but he struggled with identity.
How do you stand firm when there’s nothing to swing at; when the threat is internal, not external? What presses on the mind lasts longer than what threatens the body. Peter’s faith falters when he begins trusting himself more than the One he follows. Yet his story doesn’t end there. After failure comes restoration. When Jesus rises, Peter’s faith rises with him rebuilt and rooted not in effort, but in grace.
