The Victorious Limp

Virtuoso violinist Pinchas Zukerman was giving a master class to a group of young artist who had come to the Aspen Music Festival from the four corners of the world. The auditorium was filled with their peers, distinguished teachers and performers; the atmosphere was electric. To each of the talented performers Zukerman offered friendly advice and encouragement, discussing their playing in detail, and invariably picking up his own violin to demonstrate finer points of technique and interpretation.

Finally came the turn of a young musician who performed brilliantly. When the applause subsided, Zukerman complimented the artist, then walked over to his own violin, caressed it, tucked it under his chin, paused a long moment, and then, without playing a note or uttering a word gently placed it back in its case. Once more, the applause broke out, and this time it was deafening, in recognition of the master, who could pay such a gracious compliment.

After his triple denial of Jesus, what future would have awaited the disciple Peter if he had to depend on my patience, understanding, and compassion? Instead of a shrug, sneer, slap or curse, Jesus responded with the subtlest and most gracious compliment imaginable. He named Peter the leader of the faith community and entrusted him with authority to preach the Good News.

The limping Peter’s betrayal of Jesus, like so many of our own moral relapses and refusals of grace, was not a terminal failure but the occasion for painful personal growth in fidelity.

Mr Peter Morphew
Chaplain