1. St. Peter had thrice denied his Master, and the third time with oaths and curses. He was ashamed of Christ, afraid to own himself a servant of Christ, and all because of a woman's jeering tongue. As I look over my life, how many times there have been when I have been faithless as Peter was ! I have not boldly spoken out as I ought. I have perhaps taken part in talk hateful to my Lord and Master. I have been ashamed to run counter to uncharitable or evil conversation, though I knew well enough that it was sinful.
2. After the third denial the cock crew, and at the same time Our Lord turned and looked on Peter. It was at the moment when He was being dragged from the tribunal to the servant's room, amid the jeers and mockery of the soldiers. All this time St. Peter had been present to His thoughts, amid all the outrages and insults; and not St. Peter alone, but all who, though not at heart disloyal, nevertheless fall through weakness into sin. Remember me, O Lord, when I am in danger of falling, and when Satan desires to have me that he may riddle me as wheat.
3. That look pierced the heart of St. Peter with a keen pang of shame and sorrow and repentance. How could he have been faithless to the Lord Whom he loved and for Whom he had joyfully given up all! At once he made his way out of the hall, and with tears of anguish begged for pardon. Those tears were not unmixed with the sweet consolation of knowing that he was forgiven, and with a firm resolution not to let this fall discourage him. Here is a model for me when I have sinned.
Source: The Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ - Short Meditations for Everyday in Lent, by Richard F. Clarke, S.J. Imprimatur 1889