NEWSLETTER INSERTS - ON JESUS' ENCOUNTER WITH A CONTRITE PETER

‘Jesus is always doing this: first bringing his disciples down and out of their pride when they feel up and then bringing them up out of their despair when they feel down. He does that to us too’.

Peter Kreeft

‘Perhaps you are ashamed because of the greatness of the passion which you inflicted on me. Do not be afraid. This cross is not mine; it is the sting of death. These nails do not pierce me with pain; they pierce me more deeply with love of you. These wounds do not draw groans from me; rather they draw you into my heart. The stretching-out of my body makes room for you in my heart; it does not increase my pain. My blood is not lost to me; it is paid in advance for your ransom.’

St Peter Chrysologus, Office of Readings, Tuesday, Easter week 4

“Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love - difficulties, contradictions, humiliations, all the soul's miseries, her burdens, her needs - everything, because through them, she learns humility, realizes her weakness. Everything is a grace because everything is God's gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events - to the heart that loves, all is well."

St Therese of Lisieux

‘Peter’s story is a great consolation and source of hope to all of us who struggle with failure or shame. Sometimes, courage fails us all. But as in Peter’s case, God looks beyond our failures and does not write us off. We must forgive ourselves as God forgives us and not write people off for their failings either’.

‘After Peter responds three times “Yes, Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you”, Jesus reminds him of what he had called him to, answering “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep” (John 21). God calls us because he loves us. He calls us after he loves us. He loves us first. It is always that way round’.

Fr Billy Swan