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April 14, 2014
Scripture readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71; John 13:21-33, 36-38
Hurt. Disappointed. Wounded. At one time or another, we have all experienced those feelings, and they have left their mark.
In the Gospel today we are confronted with the betrayal of Jesus. In the intimacy of a meal, He reveals the identity of His betrayer and humbles Peter by predicting publicly that he will deny Him. Jesus, even as the Christ, must have fully known the emotional hurt and woundedness of His inner circle.
Yet Christ seems perfectly at peace with all of them, accepting them despite their brokenness. Jesus is showing us how to be merciful and forgiving. Jesus’ response is once again countercultural. Instead of hatred, anger, violence, and revenge, He shows mercy, peace, and most of all, forgiveness.
This Holy Week, may that same mercy flow into the cup of our hearts to the point of overflowing. And may we give the mercy we have received from Our Redeemer to our brothers and sisters.
Rev. Richard Bennett, C.Ss.R.
Bronx, N.Y.Download our 2014 Lenten reflections booklet here