Jn 18:10   Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear.

   

I like Simon Peter. He epitomises what so many of us think and do. This is in the Garden of Gethsemane and his master is about to be taken by this motley bunch of soldiers from the temple. Now Peter is a tough guy – you don't remain a weak minded individual if you follow the life of a fisherman on a volatile sea such as the Sea of Galilee. Oh no, Peter is a tough guy and he's not easily afraid of other people. Unfortunately he also has another characteristic – he is impetuous. He is the sort of guy who opens his mouth and puts both feet in it, or steps out and does crazy things before he has a chance to think about it. Walking on the water in the middle of the night was an example of that, and that was good, but there are always two sides to everything. For example, stubborn people can be a real pain to live with, but they can also persevere where others would give up.

 

So here is strong but impetuous Peter and he suddenly finds himself in a threatening situation. The trouble with such situations is that they occur without much warning and you don't have time to work out how would be the best way to handle it. So Peter reacts – and lashes out! Not a good move because it will only provoke counter-violence. Fortunately Jesus stepped in and put the man's ear back!!!! Some of us have got to slow down. We need to curb our mouths and think about stuff before we act. Jesus' way of dealing with things is often very different from ours. Think on it!