Luke 22:61-62 “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.”

I guess Peter was probably scared.  He had just been with Jesus in the garden praying after supper and now Jesus was under arrest and being questioned.  At supper Jesus told Peter he would deny him and Peter didn't believe him.  Now during the questioning, three different people gave Peter the opportunity to fess up that he was a follower of Jesus.  All it took was one look from his Lord at the sound of the crowing and Peter woke to the realization that he had denied the Lord; he denied that he was with him three times.  There are all kinds of justification I can come up with for Peter.  He didn't see any reason to be arrested.  Someone needed to stay outside of the circle to observe and tell others what happened.  How often do we try to justify our action or inaction?  How often, without really trying, do we deny Jesus in our daily lives?  When we wake up and realize the Lord is looking at us, we are blessed to know he looks in love and forgiveness.

Lord,

When the bitter tears of condemnation fall, wipe them away with your forgiveness and mercy.  When we fall away and turn our backs, call to us and open our ears to hear you.  Cleanse our souls with your precious blood so we are able to go forward again, new creations abiding in your love.  Amen.