the sin of christlessness
"Simon Peter said to them, 'I am going out to fish.' " —John 21:3
Peter denied Christ three times. Most people think of these denials as Peter's worst sins. However, when Peter tried to go back into the fishing business, he may have committed his worst sin. Peter acted as if he had never met Jesus. He went back to B.C., to business as usual, to a Christless existence.
After Jesus got Peter's attention, He went "back to square one." He asked Peter three times whether he loved Him (Jn 21:15-17). Then Jesus started over with Peter and once again called him to follow Him (Jn 21:19). Peter repented again. However, this time his repentance was not an interlude in a series of sins but a preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Are you just starting to celebrate and witness for the risen Christ this Easter season? Or is Easter over, because it never started? Is your day today noticeably different from the priorities and activities of those who don't know our risen Lord? If not, repent! There is a Pentecost for the Peters who repent, and there is risen life for those who receive Pentecost.
Prayer: Father, make me a witness for Your Son — no matter what it takes.
Promise: "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved." —Acts 4:12
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who holds "the keys of death and the nether world" (Rv 1:18). Now He lives — forever and ever (Rv 1:18). Glory be to You, risen Lord Jesus!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999