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TODAY’S WORD…

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I do not know this man…

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– Mark 14:71 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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How could Peter possibly have uttered the words “I do not know this man”?

Peter, was the man who had at Christ’s call dropped everything

to follow Him with exemplary determination to become a fisher of men.

He was the man who had been so deeply inspired by Jesus, his Master,

that he proclaimed Him as the Son of the Living God. (Matt 16:16)

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There is no doubt that Peter had a great love for the Lord,

yet now, out of weakness,

and after having allowed himself to be overcome by fear,

everything suddenly collapsed.

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That is how it is with us, when we sin.

Being unfaithful always involves a denial of Christ to some greater or lesser degree,

as well as a denial of those highest ideals that Christ has sown inside us.

Sin is our greatest downfall.

This why we need to struggle with determination,

counting on grace to help us detest and avoid all sins – grave and venial –

and their consequence on our soul.

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But even from our sins, when we are unfortunate enough to commit them,

we have to draw advantage,

because contrition strengthens the bonds of friendship with Our Lord.

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Our mistakes should never discourage us, provided we act with humility.

If we sin, we have to come back to the Lord as often as necessary,

without getting anxious,

although certainly full of sorrow – just like Peter, who broke down and wept. (Mk 14:72)

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Jesus always welcomes us

and rejoices to see us set out again upon the road we had abandoned.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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My Lord and my God, please forgive me.

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… … … … … … … … … … … …… …

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Note: The main source of today’s REFLECTION is the seven-volume work

“In Conversation with God” by Padre Francisco Fernández Carvajal.