Peter's Denial

After listening to insights from Rene Girard and his commentary about Peter's denial from a literature perspective, I find myself drawn to the story, and discover that there is so much more meaning hidden within this tiny narrative.  

St. Peter, as a vicar of Christ and regarded as first pope (not sure if he would agree and accept to that title for himself), may have been one of the most influential disciples of Jesus.  But one could suspect that the post-Pentecost Peter was vastly different from the Pre-Pentecost Peter.  We may not even recognize them if they were standing side by side.

We could also say that all the disciples have changed, and Peter was the one who changed the most of the twelve.  The one least changed of the original 12 is Judas Iscariot, not only because of his short-lived life but perhaps because of his being overwhelmed with guilt and the inability to forgive oneself.  So tragic.  

Peter's Denial, according to Girard, shows us the power of the crowd that which conquers even the great Peter, who was quite confident that he would never deny Jesus, no matter the cost. But the Lord Jesus knew and predicted that before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.  His words rang true, inevitably, regardless of the effort, passion and motivation on the part of Peter.

It may also be suggested that Peter didn't love Jesus enough, and perhaps didn't have that grace as he did after Pentecost.  I wonder if this interpretation would suffice, and certainly of course, we don't want to in any way bring scripture to reduction.  But it does explain why the post resurrection Jesus took Peter aside and ask him three times: "Simon, Son of John, do you love me?"  So the love question, as embarrassing as that may be and difficult to express from a man's perspective, conveys the vulnerability of Jesus, and his need to guide the disciples in that direction, the direction of love.  It will be the love of Christ that will help Peter make the ultimate sacrifice and witness, earning the crown of martyrdom, as he saw the world upside down from the cross.