Stations of the Cross – 4th Station
4th Station – Jesus is disowned by Peter
We adore you O Christ and we praise you.
Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Meanwhile Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant girl came up to him saying, “You, too, were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of them all. “I do not know what you are talking about”, he said. When he went out to the gateway another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazarene.” And again, with an oath, he denied it, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “You are certainly one of them too! Why your accent gives you away.” Then he started cursing and swearing, “I do not know the man.” And at once the cock crowed, and Peter remembered what Jesus had said, “Before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times”. And he went outside and wept bitterly.
St Mathews Gospel 26:69-75
Reflection
The cock crows. It was a moment of truth and a time of reflection for Peter. Jesus turns and gazes deeply into the eyes of Peter – a penetrating look that must have caused some soul searching for Peter. Peter cried, tears streaming down his face at what he had done. How could he have disowned and betrayed Jesus? The one who had called him the Rock, on which the Church is founded. Lord gaze on me as you gazed on Peter, let that gaze penetrate my soul and point out the way I should go. Let me not lose sight of you.
Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, help us to follow you faithfully.
