Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” In today’s Gospel reading (John 13:21-28), Jesus announces that one of apostles will betray him. Not only does he announce the betrayal of Judas, but also the denouncement by Peter. Jesus lets Judas know that he knows what he is about to do. He tells Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Peter, on the other hand, has no intention to deny Jesus. Jesus knows that Peter’s heart is in the right place but his will is weak. In both cases, Jesus still expressed love and compassion for each individual. He knew that Judas was plotting against him. He knew the evil that dwelt in Judas’ heart, yet Christ still reached out to Judas with loving arms. The Gospel says that Satan entered Judas after Christ reached out to him. Satan has the habit of turning good into evil, twisting the gifts that God gave us into attacks against Christ. Judas was greedy and Satan was able to infect his soul. We too act like Judas when we knowing plot against others. When we let hatred build in our hearts. The hatred builds into sin which kills the soul. We must be careful not to let Satan enter into hearts for he will twist what is good and make it evil.

Peter never meant to hurt Jesus. He loved Jesus and was committed to Jesus. Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward.” Peter replied, “Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” I think that most of us are more like Peter. We proclaim our loyalty to Christ and there is no way we would deny him. Yet, when we are put to the test, we deny Him. We do not necessarily deny him by our words as much as we do by our actions. We do things to others that are not an expression of love but an outward denial of Christ in our lives. When we ignore those who need help or those that are less fortunate, we deny Christ. When our brothers and sisters reach out in need, how do you respond.

At the last supper, Jesus gives us a new commandment that “you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” It is by these actions that everyone will know that you are disciples of Christ. Jesus says that we must “love one another.” We must reach out to everyone. Jesus, demonstrated this by reaching out to both Judas and Peter. He knew that both would sin against him. Yet he still loved both.

A Simple Prayer

"Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart which no unworthy thought can drag downwards;

an unconquered heart which no tribulation can wear out;

an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.

Bestow upon me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you,

diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord."

(Prayer of Thomas Aquinas)

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon