Word to the Wise
Tuesday, April 3, 2007 - Tuesday of Holy Week
[Isaiah 49:1-6 and John 13:21-33, 36-38]Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night...... Peter said to him, "Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times."
Today's gospel scripture is taken from the account of the Last Supper in the Gospel of John. It offers us two different types of betrayal! Judas deliberately chooses to betray Jesus by turning him over to the authorities! Peter, despite his previous protests of loyalty, will betray Jesus by denying any relationship to him out of fear! It is "easier" for us to point the finger at someone like Judas, whose name has become synonymous with betrayal. It is harder to point the finger at Peter, possibly because we are more like him. No matter how much we protest our love and loyalty, we will fail from time to time because of fear or other weakness. Perhaps the difference lies in not despairing but realizing that Jesus will forgive us. We musn't give up our commitment, no matter how badly we fall. It is the renewal of the effort each time that serves as the basis for the forgiveness. For all his bumbling impulsiveness, Peter weeps for his offense. Jesus will later confront him and ask, "Do you love me?" three times, one for each denial. In Holy Week, as we make our way through the crowds and see the different characters unfold, we may find someone with whom we identify. We could do a lot worse than identifying with Peter! AMEN
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