PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to
listen
Tuesday of Holy Week
St. Luke’s Institute
March 26, 2013
Judas and Peter’s betrayal ++++++++++++++++++
Ø When we read
the Passion Gospels in the beauty and serenity of our churches, we lose sight
of what a violent, painful and humiliating death Jesus suffered
Ø But, the
physical pain Jesus endured notwithstanding, the saddest episode of all the
events of Good Friday is Peter's denial of Jesus
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø At first, we
are dumfounded that Peter could ever say he did not even know Jesus
Ø After all
the fisherman had witnessed
o The joy his
teachings inspired
o His healing
of the sick
o The dazzling
vision of Jesus on the Mount of the Transfiguration
o The raising
of Lazarus from the tomb
o The calming
of the storm on the lake
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø And yet,
there is something inside of us that in small group might also say:
Ø
Peter, I understand
Ø
I understand the fear you felt
Ø
I understand the pressure you were under
Ø I understand
the how and why of your betrayal
Ø The word
"betrayal" raises a great deal of indignation among us
Ø We see
"betrayal" as a sin of monumental proportions: the kiss of Judas and the
treason of Benedict Arnold
Ø But we
understand betrayal better than we are willing to admit
Ø How well we know
of our betrayal of others, and of God in so many small, seemingly
inconsequential ways
Ø Betraying someone
through mindless gossip, through aloofness, through silence
Ø Yes, we
understand Peter' situation. We know betrayal all too well
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
This week may we realize the many ways we
betray one another and the Lord
Ø
May we be ready to give voice to the goodness
of others and of Jesus
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
