Sat., Apr. 13, 2013
Deacon Robert Banet
I have a question for you.
Shoot. I just came back from Bible study.
Good. Then you might be able to tell me.
Go ahead.
How many times does the Bible mention charcoal fires?
What kind of question is that?
Well, I take it you don’t know. So I’ll tell you. Exactly twice. And both of them involve St. Peter.
Enlighten me further, o wise one.
The first time the charcoal fire is mentioned is when Peter denies knowing Jesus.
Ah yes, I remember. He was outside the courtyard warming himself. When was the second time?
At the lakeshore after the resurrection. You remember, when Jesus was making breakfast for the disciples. There again St. John notes that there was a charcoal fire.
Yes. So?
That’s the time when Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times He asked. Well, what the Gospel writer wants us to notice is that the threefold denial and the the threefold questioning are connected. Jesus is giving Peter a chance to erase the denial.
So?
It’s another way of emphasizing the importance of St. Peter. Peter, the first Pope, is the preeminent one to feed the lambs and the sheep and also the one to tend the sheep.
Ah, I see what John was pointing out. Peter was forgiven and in spite of his sin; he was given the heavy leadership burden.