Moment of Meditation: Deny Me Thrice (Matthew 26:34)

''Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Matthew 26:34)''

What heart-breaking words Peter heard that Thursday night. The prophecy of his denial of Jesus. Not just once but three times. Three times Peter would be asked if he was one of Jesus' disciples. Three times Peter would say, "I don't know the man." Three times Peter would give into fear instilled in his heart by the devil.

Jesus says, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). Satan wanted to shake Peter's faith to the core. But Jesus prays for Peter's faith not to fail.

And Peter's faith doesn't fail. He does sin, but his faith is still intact. Peter's denial illustrates the biblical doctrine of ''simul iustis et peccator.'' Simultaneously saint and sinner. Every Christian is both saint and sinner. Our sin will not be destroyed until the Last Day.

Peter's denial of Jesus leaves him looking like the rooster as it crows the sun's first rays. All cockiness and little backbone. But after he is forgiven, Peter becomes a pillar of the early Church. A pillar upon which much of Christianity would later be built. Amen.