First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71; Gospel: John 13:21-33,36-38
Holy Week is the summary of our Lenten Journey helping us to seriously contemplate the way that Christ showed us through his suffering on the Cross. Above all, he invites us to share in the new life of his Resurrection. Unfortunately, like Judas, we may often refuse to accept and enter Holy Week with Jesus, embracing His Cross
as ours. Today, therefore, we can reflect on the love Jesus had for Judas as well for each one of us. Jesus loved Judas equally as he did the other disciples. Yet he was not grateful for the love Jesus offered to him.
Peter is another figure we see in this Gospel.
Peter said: “
Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you”. He surely denied Jesus three times but he was sorry for his denial. He regretted and wept bitterly. We need this kind of deep sorrow and become aware of our weaknesses, sins and limitations without creating excuses.
God knows our sins and shortcomings. Yet our choices and actions should not be a reason to lead us to despair and distance ourselves from our loving God. God loves us more than we love ourselves.
“The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them” (Jn. 15:13). Isn’t this beautiful?
We are in this challenging time of pandemic virus. All human beings on our globe are unable to explain it to predict how and when will this end. God is the only One who can defeat it through His Almighty power. Let us continue to pray for one another, especially for the sick and those who have died, for our health care workers and for our leaders to make right and wise decisions.
Be strong, keep safe and well.
Fr. Mussie