It’s easy to stay strong and committed in moments of clarity and when we’re surrounded by much support. What’s harder is remaining faithful when it’s costly and unpopular to do so. And all too often we’re tempted to deny God’s calling for our life to save face with others.
This was the case for Peter. While he had many bold moments of faith, on the night Jesus was betrayed, and after the other disciples had fled, Peter was asked directly if he was one of the ones with Jesus, and he denied it. This was not outright rebellion, just a moment of fear and playing it safe. Peter is watching what’s happening to Jesus, and he doesn’t know if a bold faith in this moment will cost him the same. This is a very real and understandable fear. And yet what is the cost of denying Jesus?
Like Peter, we often do the same. We don’t blatantly turn our backs on Christ, but we default to playing it safe in a moment of uncertainty. We stay silent instead of speaking up, soften our conviction to keep the approval of others, or perhaps choose comfort and security over remaining faithful to our calling. In the moment, it seems reasonable and even wise. But we’re denying Christ whenever we choose to save face instead of staying aligned with who God has called us to be, and what he has called us to do.
Time and again we will be asked, not always with words, but in moments that matter, if we are with Christ or not. And we must decide if we’re willing to accept the cost being associated with him even when it might cost us our social standing.
Peter wept when he realized what he had done. Will you?
Master of the Incredulity of Saint Thomas or Jean Ducamps – The denial of St Peter
