BY WALT ALBRITTON

OPINION —

As Peter walked on the seashore toward Jesus, the smell of burning charcoal reminded him of another charcoal fire. He was warming himself at that fire when a girl asked if he was not a follower of Jesus. Oh, no, Peter had lied; “I don’t know the man!” The pain of his cowardice made him flush with shame as he responded to the invitation of Jesus to “come and have breakfast.” This scene described in John’s gospel is one of the most beautiful pictures of forgiveness and restoration in all literature. Peter was a wounded man; he had lost his way during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. He was an angry man, angry with himself. Yet Jesus had prepared his breakfast. Then three questions — corresponding to the three times Peter had denied knowing Jesus. A disturbing

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