Knowing Both Sincerity and Weakness
My dear son,
A great promise is not what makes your love sincere. I want you to tell me honestly what you can carry and what remains difficult. Strong feelings alone cannot always keep you steady in everything you intend to do.
Peter said he would give his life, but Jesus already knew his weakness as well. Look beyond the version of yourself that has made a firm resolution, and entrust the part that needs help to me. Humble dependence is faith, too.
Tonight, bring me your honest heart rather than a grand pledge for tomorrow. Face what needs correcting truthfully. I want to stay with you as you learn love and grow, step by step, in keeping your promises.
With all my love,
Your Father
John 13:36–38
WEB36Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you can’t follow now, but you will follow afterwards.”
37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
38Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won’t crow until you have denied me three times.
A short reflection
When Peter insists he will lay down his life for Jesus, Jesus foretells that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows.
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