Brethren, from Palm Sunday, we have been reflecting on the four servant songs in the book of Isaiah. Today we reflect on the second song, which is an account of the servant's prenatal calling by God to lead both Israel and the nations. The servant is now portrayed as the prophet of the Lord equipped and called to restore the nation to God. His success will come not by political or military action, but by becoming a light to the gentiles. Ultimately his victory is in God's hands (Isaiah 49:1-6). Isaiah 49:6 is quoted by Simeon in Luke 2:32 concerning the infant Jesus Christ, as the light to the Gentiles, during the time of His mother Mary's purification, meaning that the Servant Isaiah was talking about is Jesus Christ himself, and indeed he restored nation of Israel (all people to God), the mysteries we are celebrating in this Holy Week.
Today's Gospel shows us the betrayal of the closest friends and disciples of Jesus but more focus on the fact that perfection is less important than repentance. The church puts before us during this holy week the failure of his disciples Peter and Judas perhaps with the aim of teaching us two things today. Jesus did not choose holy ones as his disciples but sinners with humanity frailty in order to make them holy for his mission and so we too can become his disciples with all our weaknesses. Secondly, the power that is in repentance. We all know the end of the story of Peter and Judas. Peter denied Jesus even after swearing that he would die with him, but later realised his denial of Jesus and repented and became the rock upon which Jesus built his church. Judas on the other hand, never repented and died in his sin. Judas could never think that Jesus would forgive him, his so called perfection became pride, and could not ask forgiveness. Jesus' forgiveness to Peter shows us that perfection is less important than perfection.
Brethren, we are quite sure that when we have failed, denied Jesus in front of others, his divine love will always be upon us and when we return to him and repent, he will surely welcome us and make us his instruments to spread his love to all. Whenever we choose to do the easy thing instead of the right thing, whenever we choose to do what we know Jesus does not want us to do, we deny him and betray him in a way. However, let us take comfort in the fact that even St. Peter, in his human frailty, could not follow Jesus perfectly especially during his passion and death, but Jesus forgave him after repenting and made him the head of his Church. Let us ask ourselves this week, whom do we want to be to Jesus, Peter or Judas. If we fall or deny Jesus, are we ready to make amends like Peter?
The gospel also tells us that Jesus' heart was troubled. This does not mean that Jesus was afraid of what was to come, that is, persecution and crucifixion and death, but his heart was troubled because of losing Judas the betrayer. Jesus has chosen his disciples after intent prayer and loved them unconditionally with divine love, and so he saw that Judas was going out of his love and was troubled because of losing him the way you feel when you feel you are losing your best friend. Sometimes we too make Jesus' heart to be troubled by not accepting his love and not giving it more to others. Jesus doesn't force his love on us, we are free to accept or refuse it, but when we refuse it, and go into sin, we make him troubled. Reflect today on how you have troubled Jesus by your words, actions, thoughts, attitudes, and choices. When you feel you have troubled Jesus’ Heart, don't despair like Judas but rejoice that you are aware and you can make amends, then come back to him in a contrite heart and ask for his Mercy, he will surely welcome you back.
Brethren, if the closest friends of Jesus betrayed him, then it can also happen to us. We have a lot of experiences of betrayal, and they hurt us when we think about them, but we are encouraged to imitate Jesus who even died because of their betrayal but forgave them. We therefore ought to forgive them, and we distance ourselves from such evil actions of betrayal. Our invitation is also to move with Jesus especially in this Holy Week up to his cross. Judas and Peter could not be close to him to console him though they had boasted to be with him, let us not be like them but let's be close to Jesus walk with him to the cross for we know as the first Reading tells us he is the servant of God and God will glorify him above everyone and he will go with us his friends to that glory.
In our relationships let not the love of money (Judas) or fear (Peter) be hindrance to love our God and our brethren. Money should indeed help to develop deeper our relationships and fear should be overcome and respect. We ask God to give us strength to love him more than ever.
Let us pray.
Lord, how I wish to lay down my life for you. In my weakness, I know that I often deny you. Whenever I choose to do the easy thing instead of the right thing, whenever I choose to do what I know you do not want me to do, I deny you. I take comfort in the fact that even St. Peter, in his human frailty, could not follow you perfectly. Give me the strength to continue to try each day and in each moment to turn to you for wisdom and guidance. Give me the will to repent when I fall and to continue to follow you. Amen
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