Mistakes No Longer Count

 

Peter  Devotion

Read the biblical text: John 21

 

Practical

Bring a snack of small fish-shaped crackers and eat them during this time of reflection.

 

Reflexion

Jesus appeared to seven disciples early one morning. It was a few days after his resurrection. They were fishing and had not caught anything. Although they did not recognize him, he called them from the shore: “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So they did it and a miracle happened. They caught fish. So much so in fact, that they were “unable to carry the net because of the large number…” A miracle! Then it’s Jesus! It was at this point that Peter recognized him. After this miracle, Jesus made a fire and invited the disciples to lunch and it was there that he had a “heart to heart” meeting with Peter. Three times, he asked him if he really liked him; the kind of love that sacrifices itself and is willing to give all. The kind of love that involves deep faithfulness, commitment, strong character and expression.

Peter, the one Jesus had previously called a “rock.” Peter, the one who had claimed that he would never deny Jesus, but who nevertheless disowned him three times. Peter, the one who was sometimes impulsive and fearful, but also strong and daring. Peter, the one who probably didn’t really feel like a “rock” that morning.

There, Jesus forgave him, gave him hope, gave him a mission. He inspired him to love. It gave him a new purpose and a new vision. It was a fresh start. This is our Jesus! He who is powerful in miracles, loving, forgiving and kind. He who waits for us and speaks to our hearts, who gives us a mission and never allows our defeat and failures to have the last word in this life.

We are more than any mistake of our past. Jesus calls us, he wants us to move forward.

 

Questions

• How do you feel after making a mistake?
• What do you want to do when you’ve repeated a mistake a few times?
• What is forgiveness?
• Can you forgive yourself? Can you forgive others?

 

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, because you forgive my mistakes and you always see in me all the possibilities. Thank you because you’re giving me a fresh start.