From the Gospel · John 18:18 · Luke 22:54 to 62 · John 21:1 to 19
Peter. The second fire.
Stay with a man whose failure was real, and whose story continued.
Read the film transcript
Peter denied knowing Jesus beside a charcoal fire. Three times. Then he went out and wept.
After the Resurrection, another charcoal fire is burning beside the sea. There is bread. There are fish. Jesus gives them breakfast. The man Peter denied is feeding him. After they eat, Jesus asks him three times: Do you love me? Peter answers: Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. And Jesus gives him a task: Feed my sheep. Mercy does not erase the truth. It makes a return possible.
If you have been away, begin honestly. Father, I want to come back. Please help me make a good confession. You can ask for an appointment. You can tell the priest you have forgotten how. Bring the truth, including the thing you are most afraid to say. Ask for the grace to turn away from sin. Jesus, give me sorrow for my sins, and courage to return.
01Stay with the story
In the courtyard, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. Luke tells us that the Lord turns and looks at him. Peter remembers, goes outside, and weeps.
After the Resurrection, another charcoal fire burns on the shore. Jesus gives the disciples breakfast. Then he asks Peter three times about his love, entrusts his sheep to him, and calls him to follow.
Peter’s return includes tears, truth, and a responsibility to love. Bring one honest admission into prayer. Let it become a step toward confession and repair.
Read the Gospel · RSV-CE02Make this your prayer
Jesus, you know what I have done and what I am afraid to admit. Give me the grace to repent, the courage to confess, and the love to repair what I can. Help me follow you today. Amen.
03One step into your day
Find a confession time at your parish. If you are unsure how to begin, tell the priest: I need help making a good confession.
A story and prayer you can offer to one person.
Send this to someone
I thought of you. Here is a short story about Peter, a prayer, and a way to begin again.
Scripture and sources
The reflections and prayers are written for this encounter. They are not quotations from Scripture.
John 18:18 · Luke 22:54 to 62 · John 21:1 to 19 · RSV-CECatechism 1428 to 1429