Word to the Wise
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 - Holy Week - Tues
[Isa 49:1-6 and John 13:21-33, 36-38,]"Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." "Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times." [John]
The sequence of events in Holy Week get a little out of sync today because the lectionary fast-forwards from the scene in Bethany to a dramatic moment at the Last Supper, which occurs AFTER the washing of the feet, which we will celebrate on Thursday! The dramatic moment takes place when Jesus shows that he knows he is being betrayed by one (or more) of the twelve apostles!! Both Judas and Peter stand accused!! Judas' betrayal will be detailed tomorrow - Wednesday - from the Gospel According to Matthew. Peter's betrayal will be recalled in the Passion According to John on Good Friday.
It is easy to recall Judas' action. His very name is now synonymous with betrayal. But Peter? Is his "betrayal" harder to remember, except in Holy Week, because he is more like we are? We promise to be true to Jesus over and over again, and when we are challenged to "put skin on it," we vacillate or fall. At least we are in good company! What we know from faith is that Jesus' death and resurrection will offer us a continual mercy for our weakness. But first that weakness is laid bare in Jesus' words at table: "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." There's really no point in our asking, "Is it I, Lord?" AMEN