Fr. Victor Feltes on Lessons from the Sins of Peter and Judas

"[The] threefold denial by Simon Peter was perhaps the most regretted moment of his life. He denied even knowing Jesus Christ, his teacher, friend, Lord, and God. How humble Peter was to share this story with the Early Church and how wonderful that the Holy Spirit inspired its inclusion in the Gospels! He shows us the fallen can get back up, wanderers can return, sinners can be forgiven, and even those who gravely sin can go on to become the greatest saints.

"Jesus would go on to rehabilitate Peter after the Resurrection, alongside another charcoal fire by the Sea of Galilee. Mirroring the three denials, Jesus asks three times, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Simon Peter replies, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,' and Jesus reinstates him as shepherd of his sheep and lambs. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confession) is likewise a personal encounter with Jesus Christ where we re-profess our love for God and receive his restoring forgiveness through the ministry of his ordained priest."

In a recent commentary, Father Victor Feltes (pastor of Saint Wenceslaus Parish, Eastman, WI) reflected on the sacrament of Reconciliation and on lessons we can learn from the sins of Peter and Judas.

To access Fr. Feltes' complete reflection, please visit:

Parishable Items: Lessons from the Sins of Simon Peter & Judas (9 APR 19)