Peter is Redeemed

Once again, APC members share their artistic talents and faithful visions. Please take a moment to pause at the niches in the narthex to view Sam Elkind's photography and Mary Busman's water color painting.

The Rooster  

            by Mary Busman

            The Silver Dorking rooster represented in the painting is an ancient breed believed to have existed during the time of Julius Caesar. Sources reveal that the Romans introduced them as they colonized territories conquered by their legions. The proud, haughty appearance of the rooster may have reminded the subject people of the Roman soldiers.

            Early Christians upon viewing the birds might have shared this viewpoint, but also would have been reminded of Simon Peter’s denial of his Lord.  Before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times (NRSV John 13:38).

            Present day Christians are not so different from the early believers. We too, associate a rooster and its crowing, with denial. Aware of our human frailty, we share much with Peter. It is with gratitude that we continue reading in John and hear Jesus say to the Disciples, Do not let your heart be troubled, Believe in God, believe also in me (NRSV John 14:1).            

            Each morning, about an hour before sunrise, the Silver Dorking rooster heralds the arrival of dawn. Boldly it announces a new day, serving as a call to confession for Christians and the promise of redemption.

Sheep in Light and Shadow

by Sam Elkind

This image recalls the passage from The Gospel of John, Chapter 21, when the resurrected Jesus reveals himself at breakfast to the disciples on the beach of the Sea of Tiberius.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

As sheep of the Lord, we seek to live in the light, not the shadows.

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Readers of the Gospel of John have wondered why Jesus repeated his question to Peter "do you love me" three times. Commentators have observed that Peter's betrayal happened three times. Perhaps Jesus is offering forgiveness in equal measure, as he reclaims Peter's discipleship.