The Gospel this weekend is so relatable in my opinion. Peter is so full of shame after denying Jesus, that he returns to his old way of life. How often do we spend time and energy growing in healthy ways, only in moments of stress and weakness to turn back to old habits? What I find comforting in our Gospel is knowing that I am not the only one who does this and yet this is where Jesus meets Peter. He shows up not in retaliation or disgust for what Peter did, but rather in love and reconciliation.

 Jesus helps heal Peter when he is consumed by shame. Three times Peter denied Jesus and yet three times Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, healing those wounds and calling Peter to Himself with unconditional love. Jesus needed Peter to realized what he spoke, “Lord you know everything.” Jesus knows everything of our lives too! He knows our faults, sins, shortcomings, and yet loves us unconditionally as well.

Where are your dark places that you want to hide or are afraid to show? Remember, “Lord you know everything.” Let Him love you and see your shame to dispel the darkness. Let Him heal you and speak of your wounds. As Brene Brown states, “shame cannot survive being spoken.” When you feel unlovable and full of shame, turn to Jesus and let Him speak life into you!