Enrique Simonet [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
"Before the cock crows
twice you will deny me three times." Mk 14:30
The readings for
Passion Sunday contain all the drama and tragedy and victory of the events we celebrate
during Holy Week, from the triumphant procession into Jerusalem, through
Christ’s betrayal, His bitter Passion, and finally, His death on the cross. The
Church brings us into that great drama in a powerful way in the Mass of Palm
Sunday. Beginning with the procession into the Church holding blessed palms and
singing God’s praises, the congregation enters into the story. In the dramatic
reading of the Gospel, we play the role of the crowds, just as we often do in
our own lives: adoring Jesus at one moment and condemning Him the next;
promising to remain faithful one day and abandoning our Lord the next.
My heart breaks
to say the words, “Crucify Him!” on Passion Sunday, but even more when I
realize how many times I have crucified Jesus by my own sins. I have abandoned
Him and denied Him more times than I care to remember. I am not worthy to be
called a child of God. But thankfully, God does not require me to be worthy.
Instead, the greatest sinners are promised the greatest mercy, as Paul tells us,
“Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more” (Rom 5:20).
The Gospel story of
Peter’s denial of Christ is cause for great hope. Even Peter, for whom Christ
prayed, denied Him. But what makes Peter’s betrayal less than the betrayal of
Judas is his repentance and trust. Realizing that he has failed Jesus, Peter weeps
bitterly, yet he trusts in the mercy of God to be greater than his human
failings and sins. After the resurrection, Peter will reaffirm his love three
times as he once denied it three times when Jesus asks, “Simon… do you love me
more than these?” (Jn 21:15).
All of us will
fail Jesus sometime in our lives. But never despair - the mercy of God is
bigger than all our sins. If ever you fail, turn back, repent, and trust Jesus.
Go to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. His is waiting for you, His
Beloved, to affirm your love for Him and receive His mercy.
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