Betrayal or Denial

 

Tuesday of Holy Week

Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71; John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant.
John 13:21-22

Today’s Gospel juxtaposes Judas and Peter.  One betrayed the Lord.  The other denied Him.  In both cases no one suspected such things would be done.  Perhaps, least of all, those who were doing it. 

Betrayal or denial; which is worse?  Certainly betrayal!  Denial is a momentary lapse of weakness.  Betrayal is premeditated and intentional.  It is notable in today’s Gospel that it records there was a moment for Judas when “Satan entered him.”  Such a thing is not recorded of Peter. 

We deny the Lord when we have momentary lapses of weakness.  We betray the Lord when we know what we are doing and we choose it anyway. 

Betrayal or denial; are either unforgiveable?  No.  Then why does Judas end in suicide and Peter ends in martyrdom as the first Pope?  One simple reason: Judas in despair fled from the Lord.  Peter, in remorse, returned and sought forgiveness.  If Judas had followed the same course as Peter I have no doubt he would have been forgiven, restored, and gone on to do great things in the kingdom just like Peter.

How do we respond to the failings in our life?  Like Peter, or like Judas?  The enemy of our souls will goad you into sinning and then condemn you for doing it.  He will at first whisper the lie that it’s no big deal and other Christians are doing the same.  Then once you have believed the lie and gone into sin he will scream at you that you are no Christian and you should just give up.  I have no doubt that’s exactly what Judas heard.  I suspect it’s what Peter heard as well. 

But our Lord is so merciful that He is willing to forgive all crimes against him, no matter how heinous.  Murder, abortion, adultery, theft, lies, slander, pornography, and a host of others are all forgivable.  The only sin that is not forgivable is the sin that remains unconfessed.  If we choose to flee from the mercy of the Lord and die in a state of mortal sin then we will be lost like Judas.  As long as we draw breath, there is no sin greater than our Lord’s sacrifice to pay for it.  Love conquers sin. 

Today, especially in this holy season, do not allow any sin to remain unconfessed.  Seek out a priest to make confession.  If that is not possible, make a perfect act of contrition, which is to be sorry for your sin not because of its consequences, but because it offends a good and loving God who deserves all our love and devotion. 

He is waiting for you- as surely as He waited for Judas and Peter.  Don’t make the mistake of Judas and flee.  Come like Peter to be forgiven, restored, and filled with grace for the mission for which you were created and called into Christ!