Tuesday of Holy Week

Readings of the Day

The drama of the Passion is underway. Judas and Peter are both about to let Jesus down badly. Jesus is aware of all that is going on; he sees into the hearts of his two companions, both of whom he chose and trusted. The contrast in the outcomes of these two is stark. “And it was night” is not simply a description of the time of day; it is a stark image of the gloom of sin and rejection. Judas walks into the darkness-- away from Jesus, the true light which the darkness cannot overcome. He will die in despair, with a pride so overwhelming that he selects the misery of separation rather than the happiness offered by a kindly, forgiving God who would, soon on the cross, forgive his executioners.

But this would not be the last word; even when Peter said later that he didn't know Jesus, there would be time for taking it back and speaking his love with his life. We oscillate in our following of the Lord; these days let us know in the certainty of Jesus' love that there is always another day, another chance, another joy in our following of Jesus.

But where am I in all this drama? I cannot be simply a passive spectator in the unfolding of the events which will change the history of the world. So I find time to be alone with Jesus for a few quiet moments every day this week. I beg him that I may remain close to him. Away from him I am lost and I spoil things. I can’t trust that I could lay down my life for him, but I spend time thanking him for being so good as to lay down his life for me despite my weakness of heart. My only gift to him is my gratitude.

Success is what I do with my failures. Teach me to trust in your love, Lord, and to learn from my mistakes and sins.

Jim Wogan is Volunteer Coordinator at Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Chicago.

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