Satan's sifting

Satan is granted leave to sift the disciples as wheat: to prove them to be chaff to be discarded, much as he attempted with Job. But he failed. Their afflictions, like his, were great: and they all fled, and Peter especially denied thrice, and wept bitterly. But Jesus prayed for him, so he was restored and given strength and authority to strengthen also the others. So must affliction also come to us, along with the Word of the Gospel, for this is how faith at length flourishes: in the school of troubles. Sermon for Lent I Midweek.