RBWords

     While the first scriptures for Monday through Wednesday come from the majestic poetry of Isaiah and describe a figure the early Christian community would see as a foretelling of Christ and his suffering, the gospel scriptures for the same three days seem to highlight Judas and his betrayal. However, another "betrayal" is introduced as well today.  After Peter's avowal that he would lay down his life for Jesus, Jesus says, "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." 

     In deciding which figure we would identify with during the Holy Week drama, I doubt very many of us would identify with Judas!  However, could we easily avoid identifying with Peter?  This is where we come face to face with our own relationship to Jesus.  Do we self-identify as a follower of Jesus when to do so might cost?  When the passion account from the Gospel According to John is read on Good Friday, there will be the uncomfortable moment when Peter is confronted in the courtyard of the High Priest and he (and we) are asked if he (and we) is one of "this man's disciples?"   What will be our answer?  The rooster is waiting.  AMEN