Peter and Judas: A Lesson in Mercy and Hope

• By Fr. Bernhard Speringer and Jennifer Hartline
• 3/10/2011
• Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Peter trusted in God's mercy - Judas did not.

In the Passion according to St. Mark we notice the parallel between Judas and Peter. Superficially, Peter and Judas have the same fate. Both betrayed Our Lord, both recognized their own guilt and felt remorse, both received Jesus' love even after the betrayal: A look. A kiss. Where is the difference? Why do we have such dramatically different endings given the seemingly equal fate of both apostles? The difference lies in this only: Peter trusted in God's mercy - Judas did not.

Peter trusted in God's mercy -- Judas did not.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) - Reading the Passion of Christ we tend to notice one thing: the significance that the evangelists give the denial of Christ by St. Peter, the first apostle, our first pope. The gospel of Mark especially lends great importance to this denial. It is reported - much to the shame of St. Peter - in great detail.

We know that the Evangelist Mark became some kind of "secretary" to Peter in Rome later on. His gospel rests primarily on statements and witness accounts of Peter. Peter, himself, spread the story of his denial. He made it known to everyone, and his sermons became a kind of "public confession".

Why?

Perhaps Peter wanted to give hope to all those who like him betrayed and denied Our Lord. Perhaps, he wanted to tell all those who would also fall like him about the forgiveness he received and say:

- No sin is so grave that Our Lord could not forgive it;
- No betrayal of God can be so great that the God's mercy could not be greater
- No denial can be so shameful and humiliating that we should despair over it.

And when Peter says this, it is not an empty phrase but his very own experience of God's mercy. At the Last Supper Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times, and Peter boasted: "And if I were to die with you - I will never deny you."

But several hours later - after Jesus had been arrested - this cocky announcement turned into a three-fold betrayal: "I don't know this person...."

PETER AND JUDAS

In the Passion according to St. Mark we notice something else: the parallel between Judas and Peter.

The Gospel tells us what happened after the denial of Peter: "The Lord turned and looked at Peter. ..... And he went out and wept bitterly." (Lk. 22:61)

Not only did Jesus predict His denial by Peter but also His betrayal by Judas. He did not just look at Judas, but even kissed him. Judas left and hanged himself. (Mt. 27:5)

Superficially, Peter and Judas have the same fate. Both betrayed Our Lord, both recognized their own guilt and felt remorse, both received Jesus' love even after the betrayal: A look. A kiss. Where is the difference? Why do we have such dramatically different endings given the seemingly equal fate of both apostles?

The difference lies in this only: Peter trusted in God's mercy - Judas did not.

REAL CONTRITION INSTEAD OF SELF-PITY

Betraying Jesus wasn't the worst that Judas did. As despicable as this act was, it did not lead to Judas' tragic demise. His downfall was that he had lost hope. He either did not believe in forgiveness, or he did not trust that this forgiveness would be given him; or he decided that he could not or would not forgive himself, in which case he gave himself up into hopelessness and despair.

It may seem that his despair was proof of his great sorrow over betraying his friend and master. Repentance, however, is something completely different. Repentance is always a great benefit for our soul. Real repentance leads us back, leads us to forgiveness; real repentance is a special kind of love towards the person one has betrayed.

If we are just disappointed with ourselves and our failure, this is not real repentance but simply pride. Then we are giving ourselves up in hopelessness and calling it our just punishment.

Self-pitying sorrow is not desired by Jesus. It is not proof of my love for Him when I claim apparently with contrition: "I don't deserve to be forgiven..." or "I just cannot forgive myself...." If I cannot forgive myself it simply means that I prefer my wounded pride over His suffering Love.

TRUE HUMILITY INSTEAD OF DESPAIR

After he betrayed Jesus, Peter may have wished to die, just like Judas. For a moment it may have seemed the only way out of his guilt. The difference, however, was that Peter chose hope while Judas chose despair. Judas refused that forgiveness which he also could have received. His fate was not sealed by a kiss, but by his pride.

Every single one of his apostles left Jesus that night, denied him and betrayed him somehow. Judas' sin, however, receives more attention because it seems more scandalous than the others. If we just focus on Judas' greed we miss the true lesson behind it.

All the apostles let Jesus down in various ways, just as we do all the time. Somehow they all betrayed him, just as we do all the time also. Surely, they were all sad, scared and full of remorse over their sins, just as we are. But only Judas preferred his guilt over redemption. In his pride he preferred death over humbly asking for forgiveness.

That is the great lesson for our faith: How often do we wallow in self-pity and think we are really humble. Self-pity has nothing to do with humility, nor with repentance. Humility is always ...truth, and the truth is: we sinned. And we will sin again.

And there is only one way to make up for it, to "undo" it. We have to truly and honestly repent, humbly throw ourselves into Our Lord's arms - in the Sacrament of Confession. Judas lacked in hope because he lacked in humility.

And Jesus takes us up into His arms. He gazes at us full of mercy, just as He gazed at Peter full of mercy. It is not important how often we fail or fall - provided we return to Him every time full of hope and humility.

TRUST IN GOD'S MERCY

Scripture reports again and again how we betray God - and how the endings are so different:
Cain killed his brother Abel, but David also murdered Uria whose wife he had an affair with.
Cain came out of this story as a despicable sinner, and David as a saint.

Cain fell into despair due to his sin; he thought his sin was too great for it to be forgiven. David trusted in God's mercy and called on His forgiveness.

The same story repeats itself over and over - all the way to Golgotha: two thieves are being crucified together with Jesus. One of them curses and despairs. The other one asks forgiveness: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:42). And he receives the most beautiful promise that a man can ever receive: "Amen, I say to you: Today you will be with me in paradise." (Ibid.)

It is one thing for God to give forgiveness and redemption, and it is another for us to accept His forgiveness and redemption, especially through the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance and the Holy Eucharist.

And that requires humility: Peter had to learn that humility, he had to understand that he cannot give redemption and forgiveness to himself, but that Jesus' suffering for him it is a gift of God's mercy.

May God give us that humility also, that in the hour of death we may not despair in light of our sins, but that we may unconditionally trust in God's mercy and throw ourselves into His loving arms.

-----

Jennifer Hartline is a contributing writer for Catholic Online. Fr. Bernhard Speringer is a priest of the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross in Austria. This collaborative effort was also published on Kath.net.

- - -

Catholic Online asks that you join with us and help in this vital mission by sending this article to your family, friends, and neighbors and adding our link (www.catholic.org) to your own website, blog or social network. Let us broadcast, we are PROUD TO BE CATHOLIC!

Editorial - The Real Reason Why Christians Oppose Same-Sex Marriage

by John-Henry Westen (This article was first published in the Easter issue of the BC Catholic)

Christianity is not about discrimination and prejudice, not about judging and condemning, not about hatred and bigotry, it is about love. Love for God and love for neighbor - meaning all mankind.

So, why would a religion based on love oppose the union of two persons in marriage if they are of the same sex?

Simply put, because homosexual sex - the underlying basis for such unions - causes harm to those engaged in such activities. Doctors have indicated the physical harm it causes and psychologists have pointed out the emotional and psychological harm that ensues. But over and above these very serious considerations is the spiritual harm that results from this sexual behaviour.

Jesus, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, God Himself, came to earth and died on a cross to save us, not from physical or psychological harm but, from spiritual harm.

As Christians we are called to imitate Christ in sacrificial love. Such a love for neighbor would see the Christian ready to sacrifice possessions, freedom and even his own life to protect a brother or sister - another child of God as we all are - from spiritual harm.

Christians thus do not advocate for civil unions as a compromise measure in the marriage debate. Such a compromise would undermine the central issue in that it would demonstrate a lack of concern for those actively involved in homosexual activity. Such a proposal amounts to ghetto-ization as opposed to healing.

Rather, Christians seek to call those afflicted with unhealthy sexual lifestyles to the truth.

Legalizing same-sex marriage would amount to societal approval of such destructive behaviour. As it has often been said, the law is a teacher. If society is granting unions of this nature the status of marriage, they certainly can't be wrong, the teaching goes. That teaching will bring death, physical death through sexually transmitted diseases, emotional and psychological death through dysfunctional relationships and worst of all spiritual death through loss of salvation.

Like those inclined to sex outside marriage, to adultery, to masturbation and other sexual aberrations, those with homosexual inclinations are called to chastity outside marriage and fidelity within it (should they choose to marry persons of the opposite sex).

This can be a difficult road, but it is the only one which leads to spiritual health - the outcome of which is eternal life with God in heaven.

A life of struggle with disordered sexual desires is the struggle most men and women face, homosexual or heterosexual, married or otherwise.

From the eternal perspective, one might say it is 'short term pain for long term gain'. However, even that 'pain' is better than the pain of body, mind, soul and spirit that comes with flouting God's design for our sexuality.

The massive pain that sexual sin brings is rampant in the world today in the heartbreak of broken sexual relationships; the grief and trauma of children abandoned by divorced parents; the horror and scars of abortion, rape, incest and pedophilia; and the degradation of prostitution and pornography.

To be set free from the slavery to sexual deviance, which strips us of true freedom and binds us, is a goal for all to embrace.

God's plan for marriage is the freely chosen, lifelong, loving union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, which is open to new life. Nature demonstrates that men and women complement each other in their union. As pro-creation is the primary end of marriage, it is plain that the sexual union of a man and a woman is the natural means to that end. That complementarity exists also on the psychological and ultimately the spiritual realm.

There are very real and often deadly consequences that result from abusing the very powerful gift of sexuality that has been given to us by God.

Numerous Christians find themselves inclined to homosexual sex. Homosexual persons who struggle against their disordered desires are examples of victorious struggle against sometimes fierce temptation.

With so many in society today suffering the destructive effects of sexual sin in our pasts, these men and women who struggle valiantly are a sign of hope. They encourage and strengthen all of us in our resolve that we too can, with the help of the Almighty, overcome our own temptations to sexual sin.

The key to overcoming sexual sin and being released from its clutches lies in devoting oneself to God. Fittingly, it is in the passage relating the celebration of marriage at Cana where the Scriptures give us the secret. If we heed the Mother of Our Lord and "Do whatever He tells you", if we draw up the water of our wills to the brim of our beings and struggle to remain always faithful to whatever He tells us, then when the time of testing comes, by the miracle of Christ we will be transformed into a wine fit for the divine wedding banquet.

Following Jesus' example would cause us to be ready to even lay down our lives for the spiritual health of our neighbors, homosexual persons included. I pray that should it come to that I would be given the grace to offer my life for the spiritual betterment of my brothers and sisters.

It is, after all, long-standing Judeo-Christian tradition, that, out of love, we object to illicit marriages, even if that objection costs us our lives. John the Baptist, over his objection to Herod's illicit union with his brother's wife Herodias, was beheaded. St. Thomas More, refused to consent to his friend King Henry VIII's decision to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. For this, he too was beheaded.

Anyone who understands, from faith teaching, reason or personal experience, the deadly personal and social consequences of acting against the natural sexual order, is in fact obliged by charity to act against current trends. He who knows the truth is his 'brothers' keeper'. If those who know the truth are negligent or weak and compromising, then the greater harm that results will be more upon their final resume than upon those who did not know better or who needed to be encouraged to repentance and change.

As More was about to be put to death, he uttered his last words which spoke of his loyalty to the King. Out of love for his friend and his faith in God did he sacrifice his life for the truth of marriage. Christians today, who face persecution and ridicule for standing up for marriage, out of love and concern for those who would enter it illicitly echo More's words: "I die the King's good servant-but God's first."

Touching Cartoon Memorials to Pope John Paul II

Click:
http://cagle.slate.msn.com/news/PopeMemorial/main.asp

POPE BENEDICT XVI:

Click:
http://cagle.slate.msn.com/news/PopeBenedict/main.asp

Christ

School Sex Ed

I was holding a notice from my 13-year-old son's school announcing a meeting to preview the new course in sexuality. Parents could examine the curriculum and take part in an actual lesson presented exactly as it would be given to the students.

When I arrived at the school, I was surprised to discover only about a dozen parents there. As we waited for the presentation, I thumbed through page after page of instructions in the prevention of pregnancy or disease. I found abstinence mentioned only in passing. When the teacher arrived with the school nurse, she asked if there were any questions. I asked why abstinence did not play a noticeable part in the material.

What happened next was shocking.

There was a great deal of laughter, and someone suggested that if I thought abstinence had any merit, I should go back to burying my head in the sand.

The teacher and the nurse said nothing as I drowned in a sea of embarrassment. My mind had gone blank, and I could think of nothing to say.

The teacher explained to me that the job of the school was to teach "facts," and the home was responsible for moral training.

I sat in silence for the next 20 minutes as the course was explained. The other parents seemed to give their unqualified support to the materials.

"Donuts, at the back," announced the teacher during the break.

"I'd like you to put on the name tags we have prepared-they're right by the donuts-and mingle with the other parents.

Everyone moved to the back of the room.

As I watched them affixing their name tags and shaking hands, I sat deep in thought. I was ashamed that I had not been able to convince them to include a serious discussion of abstinence in the materials. I uttered a silent prayer for guidance.

My thoughts were interrupted by the teacher's hand on my shoulder.

"Won't you join the others, Mrs. Layton?" The nurse smiled sweetly at me. "The donuts are good."

"Thank you, no," I replied.

"Well, then, how about a name tag? I'm sure the others would like to meet you."

"Somehow I doubt that," I replied.

"Won't you please join them?" she coaxed.

"I'll just wait here," I said.

When the class was called back to order, the teacher looked around the long table and thanked everyone for putting on name tags. She ignored me.

Then she said, "Now we're going to give you the same lesson we'll be giving your children. Everyone please peel off your name tags." I watched in silence as the tags came off.

"Now, then, on the back of one of the tags, I drew a tiny flower. Who has it, please?"

The gentleman across from me held it up.

"Here it is!" "All right," she said.

"The flower represents disease. Do you recall with whom you shook hands?"

He pointed to a couple of people. "Very good," she replied.

"The handshake in this case represents intimacy. So the two people you had contact with now have the disease."

There was laughter and joking among the parents.

The teacher continued, "And whom did the two of you shake hands with?"

The point was well taken, and she explained how this lesson would show students how quickly disease is spread.

"Since we all shook hands, we all have the disease."

"Speak now, I thought, "but be humble."

I noted wryly the latter admonition, then rose from my chair.

I apologized for any upset I might have caused earlier, congratulated the teacher on an excellent lesson that would impress the youth, and concluded by saying I had only one small point I wished to make.

"Not all of us were infected," I said. "One of us ... abstained."

Out-of-towner arrested

Samaritan lead away to await trail at a future date. (AFP/Ben Barabbas)

JERUSALEM (Roto Reuters) On the road between Jerusalem and Jericho a man reportedly from Samaria was arrested and lead away in handcuffs by local police. He was arrested for interfering in the case of a man reported as "half dead" and tried to deliver him oil and wine despite the wishes of the man's spouse. A priest had walked by the scene earlier and left the man alone because of instructions given by the local Bishop to leave "half-dead" people alone and not to interfere in these "difficult cases that are a family matter". The spouse of the half-dead man (name withheld by request) said that in a conversation years ago her husband had said that if he ever was stripped and beaten by robbers that he preferred to be left alone and specifically not to have life support such as oil or wine delivered to him. The Samaritan is also being brought up on charges of fraud for delivering the man to a local hotel to be taken care of and promising to come back later to pay them back. This was despite the hotels posted and clear policy of all payment up front.

The half-dead man was returned to the spot on the road to continue his natural dying process. Judge Sneer, a local judge, has requested that police post guards by the man to prevent others from interfering in this man's rights to die.

Posted by Jeff Miller at March 26, 2005 12:13 PM
His conversion story: http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2004/0410dr.asp

Judical Terriorism

Please pray for the Superior Court "Justices" to open their eyes and see what they have done to Terri Schiavo.

Pope John Paul II, 1920-2005

The Holy Father, John Paul II, aged 84, died at 9:37p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2005, after the 8:00p.m. Vigil Mass on the Feast of Divine Mercy in his private apartment at the Vatican.

Pope John Paul II, before entering into the state of diminished consciousness, whispered to his personal secretary the eloquent phrase: “I am happy, be it yourselves as well.”

According to the Saturday issue of the Italian daily Il Secolo XIX, the Pope pronounced these moving words to Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, his personal secretary and right hand from his days as Archbishop of Krakow (Poland.)

The message was mainly addressed to the priests and religious who have been serving the Pontiff in the last months.

Nevertheless, the phrase, according to the Italian daily, has become a “testament” for all the faithful around the world.

The Pope in pictures: http://religion-cults.com/pope/pope2.htm

Theresa Marie Schindler-Schiavo December 3, 1963 – March 31, 2005

http://theresa-schindler.memory-of.com/Candles.aspx

Passing the crucifix, from, then, Pope John Paul II to, now, Pope Benedict XVI.

Click on this website to see all of the Pope cartoons:
Be sure to scroll all the way down the page!!!

Peter: The Cross his mainstay through winds of persecutions and passing opinion.

For more pictures of Pope John Paul II, click:

http://jeffreylloyd.blogs.com/photos/holyfather/index.html

Click for complete List_of_popes