“Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:69-75
Cast stones at Peter for betraying the Messiah. Be aghast that he would deny knowing this man Whom he knew as the ‘Son of the Living God” and as friend. Be stunned that Peter is so weak as to betray the man Whom he had seen heal so many illnesses and heard speaking of great things. Ah, but first, look in the mirror.
We see Jesus warn Peter of this coming betrayal earlier is verse 34. Peter declares with chest thumping certainty that he would die before betraying Jesus. A short time later, he naps instead of standing in guard and prayer as Jesus asked. And, then, the moment comes. Three times Peter is approached and each time he fearfully denies his knowledge of and relationship with Jesus. In effect, he is crying out with the crowds to let Him die.
How many times has the Church and God warned us of our betrayals through our sins? The Ten Commandments, Sodom, the flood. Listen to the stories throughout all the Gospels and see if any of those sinners, sick or even Pharisee resembles you.
Jesus warned Peter of his betrayal. Jesus came knowing the cross hung over Him, He begged the Father to take it from Him but knew the Father’s Will was this moment, knew this moment was His greatest desire and man’s greatest need. So, Jesus stepped before the crowds, with me hidden within, to hear us scream in a frenzy to kill Him. “Crucify Him!” V.22,23.
Like Peter’s betrayal, Jesus knew we would betray His love with our sin. Yet, His plan is perfect. For like Peter, Jesus comes to us in the perfection of Divine Mercy and calls us back from the darkness. Calls us by name. Jesus forgives us from the cross upon which our betrayal has hung Him. And, in Mercy, Jesus tells us He loves us. Despite our betrayals, He wants us to come home.
It is time. Go to Him. Humble your shame. He already knows what you did, He knew and took the cross for that sin. All it takes to receive this ocean of Divine Mercy is to ask. All it takes to receive Jesus, Divine Mercy Himself, is to ask.
Now is the time….go!