While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘I do not know or understand what you are talking about.’ And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.’ But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know this man you are talking about.’ At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14: 66-72)

In Sunday School classes and Passion Plays this moment is nursed for every bit of pathos.

But what were Peter's options? This was clearly not the time and place for a stirring public defense of Jesus.

The safer and more honest choice might have been to depart upon first being recognized.

But in staying Peter finally came to a crucial spiritual insight.

Before this horrible night there is very little evidence that Peter understood his fears. After this night Peter is much more self-aware.

By taking responsiblity for his own choices and remembering the words of Jesus he began a new journey of spiritual growth.

It is often our failures - much more than our success - that opens our hearts and minds to God.