Peter's reaction, perhaps in a strange way, can help me more faithfully and sincerely do the Lord's will.
There are times when, faced with what you "should" do, you say, "I don't want to do this." You may indeed not want to, but if that's the end of the matter, it's a shame.
There can also be a problem when you say to the Lord, "I want to do this," when, in fact, you really don't want to do it. You end up doing it grudgingly.
Better to follow Peter's example - a straightforward, "I don't want to do this" (Peter was even stronger than that: "You will never wash my feet!"). Then Jesus explains why he wants Peter to do this.
Then what does Peter do? In effect he says, "I don't want to do this, but because you want me to, I do want to do this, and I do it willingly." That's as honest as can be. He's being honest with the Lord, and with himself.
Actually, there is a more powerful example. Later that very night, Jesus went to Gethsemane and prayed: "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me but not what I will but what you will." Every word is totally honest.
Are you totally honest with the Lord when it comes to what he wants and what you want?
Any examples come to mind?
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw