2 Betrayals

"You will deny me three times"

John 13: 21-33; 36-38

The Word for Tuesday: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032718.cfm

Mark 26: 14-25

The Word for Wednesday: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032818.cfm

One of the points of friendship is to have someone you can trust.  To find a lifelong friend who is trusting and supportive is a treasure. I think the vast majority of people have "friends" for a time; acquaintances who go in and out of our lives.  I know as a priest it is often parishioners who while you serve as their Pastor are friendly and supportive.  When you leave one assignment and move to another those good folks go on with their lives and the personal contacts become far less frequent.  It's just the way things go generally and we make new friends. 

We often assume the Apostles of Jesus, those rag-tag group of fishermen, tax collector, revolutionary, would, if it wasn't for Jesus, never had met or found one another for any particular cause.  Our Lord called them, brought them together, formed them to carry on his mission.  He entrusted explanations to them that he would not reveal to the general population.  He took them to witness his miracles, engaged them in working the crowds which followed, challenged them on their own perceptions of him, entrusted his care to them and certainly called them to unify around his mission and to carry that out to the world.  We have indications throughout the Gospel how much Jesus trusted this chosen group and would certainly call for their respect and trust in return.  He loved them and called them his friends. 

Yet, our Gospel today and tomorrow, indicated that despite all of this, they remained weak and at times cowardly men.  Jesus knew that when he chose them.  The Holy Spirit at Pentecost changed all of that and they became bold witness to the power of Jesus' death and resurrection.  Still, the two Gospel passage today and tomorrow reveal that our Lord, at the darkest hour of his ministry, at a time when he needed the support and trust of these intimate disciples, was betrayed deeply by two of them:  Judas and Peter.  Yes, Peter the "Rock upon which I will build my Church" denied even knowing Jesus when confronted in a moment of self-revelation.  Not once but three times!  Judas, on the other hand, made no secret he was a follower of Jesus but handed Jesus over to authorities for arrest so we call tomorrow traditionally "Spy Wednesday."

Both Gospel passages today and tomorrow, find us at the Last Supper with Jesus and his Apostles.  In two scenes from John and Matthew we see Judas leaving the dinner to the confusion of the Apostles who misread his motives.  Jesus spoke: "One of you will betray me."  It seems Jesus had indicated who it was as he whispered to the young John who quietly asked him at the urging of Peter. 

Peter, then boldly states he would "lay down his life" for Jesus.  I can only imagine Jesus facial expression on hearing Peter's cry.  It must have been both pained and shocked.  Jesus said in effect:  "Really? You're too weak.  Before the rooster crows in the early morning, you will three times deny you even know me!"  What might Peter have thought on hearing those painful words? 

In the end, however,Peter repented but Judas despaired.  Would he had forgiven Judas the way he later did Peter after the resurrection?  I would say, of course he would.  But Judas reached a point of blatant desperation.  He recognized what he had done and what the true intent of the authorities was and simply could not bring himself to return.  A tragic end that reveals, despite this dark moment, he respected Jesus and realized how deep his betrayal had cut. 

One take on this is that Judas never intended Jesus to be imprisoned or certainly not crucified.  He saw the power our Lord had and being convinced that Romes' heavy had must be destroyed, he felt Jesus might be the one to do this.  He aligned himself with Jewish authority who he falsely felt had the same intent and handed Jesus over to them so they might meet him and see his power.  But, Judas himself was duped by those two faced leaders and once he realized their true intent to destroy Jesus and how he was used as a mere instrument by them, he despaired and took his own life. 

In the end, yet, redemption took place.  Forgiveness and reconciliation was offered to Peter who deeply repented of what he had done through human weakness.  The denial humiliated Peter enough yet he continued to share life among his brethren, who all fled in fear. 

So, as this Holy Week continues, it might be good for all of us to recognize our own weakness and times that we too have denied our Lord by living as if the Gospel has no particular meaning. 

This is a week of grace and mercy.  It is both dark, dramatic, and inspirational.  Yet, the sun and Son will rise in victory!