"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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