The Promise Peter Could Not Keep
Peter looked Jesus in the eye and promised to follow him to death. He meant every word. The gap between his self-image and his reality is the whole human condition in one exchange.
Dear friends,
Letters from Leo is publishing daily Lenten reflections through Easter, available exclusively to paid subscribers.
Each day during Lent, I’m sharing a short meditation rooted in the day’s scripture readings. These reflections are my most personal writing: vulnerable, searching, and grounded in the conviction that repentance, renewal, and resolve are not abstract concepts but daily choices.
They are an invitation to confront our idols, sit with discomfort, and let the liturgical season do its quiet, relentless work on us.
It’s Holy Week, which means these will be the most important reflections of the year, and it’s not too late to join.
I hope you’ll walk with us as we journey to the redemption of the cross.
“When Jesus had said this, he was deeply troubled and testified, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’”
“Simon Peter said to him, ‘Master, where are you going?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.’ Peter said to him, ‘Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.’”
— John 13:21–33, 36–38
Peter was sure. That is the part that should concern us the most.
At the table where Jesus washed feet and broke bread, where Mary of Bethany had poured out everything, and Judas had already made his calculation, Peter looked Jesus in the eye and declared he would follow him to death. He meant it. That is what makes the scene so brutal. Peter was not performing. He believed every word.
Jesus told him plainly: before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.
Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat.
The Gospel today cuts deeper than betrayal. Peter did not plan to deny anyone. He was full of conviction, armed with courage, carrying a sword he was ready to draw. What he lacked — the thing none of us want to look at — was self-knowledge.
I recognize this in myself more than I want to admit.
