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Lament of Saint Peter,
Image by Claude Vignon (1593-1670),
Oil on canvas,
Painted in 1623
© Cantor Arts Center, Stanford, California |
After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?
‘It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.
Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’ |
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| | Reflection on the Painting
In today’s Gospel reading we come to a turning point. ‘After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.' This is Jesus’ own disciples who drew back and were no longer sure whether to stay by His side. So Jesus confronts His disciples saying ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ It is clear from that question that He would have let some more of His disciples go if they had wanted to. He does not hold anybody against their will! Even the disciples had a choice at every stage they were with Christ: whether to stay or go. They were not there against their will or because they were forced to. It is really Peter’s words though at the end of our reading which are so beautiful: 'we believe'. Knowing Peter’s character, that believing was the result not just of blind faith in Jesus, but of a maturing process where Peter would have asked himself questions along the lines of: well Jesus, you have done amazing things, but at times you frighten us, you challenge us, you embarrass us even when you come out with strong statements like today, you even frighten us at what might happen, but…. ‘To whom shall we go?’ A beautiful display of unconditional love towards Christ coming from a place of matured faith.
That is why I am sharing a painting today of St Peter, as he is the key in today’s reading. He never wanted to leave, he never quit. He simply had learned so much in these past years and grew exponentially in love for Christ. We can't always understand how God works and what His plans are, but Lord… ‘to whom shall we go?’
by Patrick van der Vorst |  | |
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