Stations of the Cross - Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter

*Note for Catholics: The following stations of the cross are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations that you would know. This alternative set ties in scripture, and serves as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ's passion, for the benefit of our protestant brothers and sisters on this journey.

Examination on conscience
Please take a couple of minutes becoming aware of the things we have done to offend God in the last 24 hours.

Act of Contrition
Lord, I'm sorry for all the times I have chosen to live in the realm of dishonesty. In spite of my untruthfulness, You willingly died for me. I promise to be honest with You and with myself from now on.

Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!" A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. - Matthew 26:69-75

Reflection
When was the last time you denied Jesus? If you spent a couple of minutes reflecting on the last 24 hours, you might realise, it might have been pretty recent. It is often easy to judge Peter, just as it is often easy to judge Judas. But every time we sin, we deny Him. the difference with Peter is that when he had realised his sin, he remembered. And he wept bitterly. That made the difference. Repentance goes a long way in reunion. What have you not yet repented of?

Prayer
Lord, grant us the gift of honesty that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.