around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it. After a little
while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them,
for you are a Galilean.” He began to call down curses, and he swore to
them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” (Mark 14: 69-71)
Each of us is often challenged to do the right thing, to make an
unpopular decision. It is so easy to go along with the crowd. Often
standing alone or taking an unpopular stance can cause you ridicule
and ostracism from your peer group or the larger community. Today
we live in a society based on freedoms: freedom of expression is a
basic tenet of the Constitution of the United States. You can stand on
a sidewalk, say the most incredible things, act in any way you wish
and not only are you noticed or not noticed, you are in no threat of
civil authorities hauling you off to a dungeon, accusing you in a
kangaroo court and imposing harsh imprisonment or death.
This was not the case in those dark hours after the Last Supper.
Peter had a faith in God and Jesus, but Peter did not have the
strength to stand up to the crowd. As he was identified by those
around him as “one of them,” Peter cursed and swore that “I do not
know this man you’re talking about.” Again and again as Jesus had
told us, one of you will forsake me.
This story speaks to us about our faith in Christ and God. How often
have we said, “Why God has this happened?” when we lose a loved
one too early or a horrible disease afflicts family or friends. Have we
ever turned our backs on someone in trouble, because of who they
are or because we fear our peer group may look down at us?
It is ok to say out loud, “I believe in God.” It is ok to publicly express
your belief and love in God. Be not afraid of your faith, be a leader,
not Peter. Stand up for what you believe in and share the Good Word
with all around you. You will be surprised how many people will gain
strength through your demonstration of strength.
Warren Judge
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