Peter's moral guilt follows Jesus's legal guilt.
Reflection on a reading from today's Church of England Lectionary. October 2, 2021. Mark 14: 66 - the end.
Peter has been watching the trial from the crowd. One of the Chief Priest's servant girls recognises him, challenges him saying that he is one of Jesus's followers. Peter quickly and firmly denies that he is and she retreats. Again she challenges him and is answered with an even firmer denial. A third time Peter is accused of being a disciple of Jesus and he denies it with an oath. As a cock crows he remembers that Jesus told him that he would do this. Mark tells us that he breaks down and cries.
Some Christians criticise Paul for his denials after he had previously sworn everlasting fidelity. They say that they would never commit such a betrayal. But nobody can say for certain what they would do until they are in that position. Members of the western churches are unlikely ever to be in that situation. We look to Christians in countries where they are persecuted for modern day inspiration.
We can commend Peter for his instant realisation of his guilt as he breaks down. Would we recognise it so quickly?
Surely this must be the beginning of his rehabilitation.