Above: The Denial of Saint Peter, by Caravaggio
Image in the Public Domain
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For the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year 1, according to the U.S. Presbyterian lectionary of 1966-1970
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O Lord Jesus, who art the same yesterday, today, and forever:
strengthen our weak resolve, that we may remain faithful in all the changes of this life
and, at the last, enter the joy of thy kingdom. Amen.
—The Book of Common Worship–Provisional Services (1966), 126
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Zechariah 10:1-7
James 4:7-12
Luke 22:54-62
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If we love God as we should, that love will translate into love for our fellow human beings. If leaders love God as they should, that love will inform how they lead, as they seek the common good and fight against exploitation. If we love God as we should, we will not deny God.
Yet we are weak creatures much of the time. If we are willing, we will embrace opportunities to accept grace and to act as we ought to do.
Consider St. Simon Peter, O reader. He denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:54-62; and John 18:15-18, 25-27). Jesus gave St. Simon Peter three opportunities to affirm him (John 21:15-19). The Apostle accepted.
We are weak creatures much of the time. God knows that we are, poetically, dust. Moral perfectionism is an unrealistic standard, but the imperative to improve is realistic.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
DECEMBER 12, 2018 COMMON ERA
THE ELEVENTH DAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C
THE FEAST OF SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, FOUNDRESS OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE VISITATION
THE FEAST OF ALICIA DOMON AND HER COMPANIONS, ROMAN CATHOLIC MARTYRS IN ARGENTINA
THE FEAST OF SAINTS BARTHOLOMEW BUONPEDONI AND VIVALDUS, MINISTERS AMONG LEPERS
THE FEAST OF SAINT LUDWIK BARTOSIK, ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST AND MARTYR
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BLOGA THEOLOGICA 
Excellent post! Thank you!
You are welcome!