The story of two of Jesus’ disciples betray and deny him

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The week of Holy Week is an intense focus on the sacrifices that were made by our Lord Jesus Christ to save us from our own sins. In today’s Gospel (John 13:21-33, 36-38), we hear the story of two of Jesus’ disciples betray and deny him at the time that God’s glory is fulfilled. We are at the pinnacle of Jesus’ mission; we are hours before “the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him” and two of his disciples sin against him. Judas betrays Jesus by turning him over to Roman guard and Peter denies him while he is being judged by the Sanhedrin. As Jesus is preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice, these two disciples commit sins of the heart. But what is the difference between the two. Judas deliberately betrayed Jesus. He betrayed Jesus for money. Judas’ act was premeditated. He knew what he was about to do. Peter, on the other hand, committed his denial out of weakness and fear. Peter loved Jesus and would not have purposefully denied Jesus. Peter was always quick to make promises and to boast of his loyalty to Jesus. But at times, his mouth over spoke his will. Here, Peter’s loyalty to Jesus is unfailing, unfortunately his will was not quite as strong. After, Peter realizes what he has done, he is very

Jesus, at the last supper, foretold both events. Jesus acknowledges Judas at the Table by giving a morsel to him. The Gospel says that when Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. Satan took control of Judas. Satan took the unselfish love of Jesus Christ and turned it into hatred. Satan tries to enter our body when Jesus offers us grace. Satan’s acts are directly contrary to love of Jesus. During these last few days lent, Satan is hard at work trying to divert us from the path that leads to the cross and our salvation. He tries to offer us things that we keep us from God’s glory. He purposefully offers things to attack our weakness. Only Jesus Christ can give us the grace and strength we need to battle Satan when he attacks us. If we give into God’s grace, we will walk in the light. If we deny Jesus’ love, we will stumble in the darkness. We can either build Heaven on Earth or fall to the State of Hell.

We are called to follow Jesus to cross. On the way, we may deny Jesus in moments of weakness. But if we allow the Holy Spirit to enter into our hearts, the Holy Spirit will dispel Satan. The Light of the Holy Spirit will reveal the mystery of Jesus and be the light of all nations. We are all invited to form a covenant with God. The covenant unites God with us and bonds us with his love. If we submit to this love, he will provide for our salvation. Stay steadfast on your way to the cross. Stand up for your faith.

A Simple Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I surrender to your wisdom and love. By your spirit, I want to turn away from relying only on human wisdom for help. Lord, I trust in your saving power.”

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon