NOT A HOPELESS CASE

In the gospel (Jn 13:21-33, 36-38), there are two figures beside Christ worth meditating upon: Judas and Peter. They have similarities and differences, from which we too can relate.

Judas and Peter are both apostles of the Lord. For three years, they heard His teachings. They witnessed the miracles and wonders the Lord has done. They ate on the same table with the Lord. To break bread with someone refers to the companionship they share with one another, a kind of intimacy that is given to everyone. They even dipped their bread in the same cup (pinasawsaw). They were close to Jesus. Thus, both may have professed their faithfulness to Him. 

In the passion of Christ, both Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus in exchange for thirty silver coins. Such is a price for a slave gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32). He valued Jesus simply as a slave and not His Lord and Master. Peter, too, betrayed Jesus as he denied Him three times before the cock crowed.

Judas and Peter both repented for the transgressions they had made against Jesus.  Overcame with guilt, Judas threw the thirty silver coins into the temple (Matthew 27:3–5). After denying the Lord three times, Peter remembered the saying of the Lord; how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times,” and he went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:61-62).

What is their difference? After Judas repented, he hanged himself. He could not forgive himself. He could not see the possibility that he will be forgiven for the sin he had committed. Peter, on the other, after denying the Lord, remained with the other apostles, meditating what had happened in their company. Later, when given the chance to meet the Risen Lord, Peter would profess his love for Him three times. Judas saw no hope in himself. By remaining with the company of apostles (the Church), Peter saw a merciful God in Jesus who would forgive him for his betrayal. He thought of the possibility of mercy and forgiveness not out of his own merit but by the generosity of God. He saw himself, in the eyes of God, not as a hopeless case, but as one who can be pardoned and be given a chance to start anew.

The story of Judas and Peter is our story. Haven’t we seen the wonders of God in our life? Haven’t we betrayed and denied Jesus every time we sin? Haven’t we repented too? But how are we going to end? Are to be like Judas who never conceived the possibility of forgiveness? Or Peter who focus not on his own worth but on the boundless mercy of God which gave him the opportunity to start anew in his life?  

The good news is Jesus gave us concrete means to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. That is the sacrament of reconciliation, where God, who is rich in mercy, is waiting for our return to Him. May we see ourselves not as a hopeless case as Judas saw himself. Like Peter, may we continue to have faith in ourselves; that we can be better persons, not by our own strength and merit, but through God who sees us through His merciful eyes.