In the Gospel today we hear of the risen Christ living out what he taught while he was engaged in his earthly ministry. This should not be a surprise since, after all: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Heb 13: 8) Yet, the reluctance of some to come to the Church for the sacrament of reconciliation speaks of a mistrust of God's mercy or an image of God that is at odds with what we know of Christ Jesus. Today we have an excellent example of that mercy as Jesus rehabilitates Peter after the disciple, to whom he said, "and on this rock I will build my church" (Mtt 16: 18 ), denied him. What is important for Christ is not Peter's denial and cowardice but his willingness to love the Lord and to feed the sheep as he has called Peter to do in the first place. All those who fail to live their faith are likewise called upon to trust in the Lord's mercy and to re-commit themselves to following his example of love and service. The thing that should amaze others is not so much that we fail but that we pick ourselves up and, entrusting ourselves to God's mercy, keep going regardless of what life, sin and death throw at us.
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