“When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.” Matthew 27:3-5
There is no sin nor betrayal of Jesus that is greater than God’s Divine Mercy. Well…except not asking for that Mercy (Matthew 12:31-32).
Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus. They both denied Him on that same night. Judas was remorseful. He realized he had betrayed Jesus. He ran back to the Pharisees to try to undo what he had done and when they wouldn’t ‘forgive him’ his wrong, he ran out in despair and hanged himself. Judas forgot all the deeds of great mercy and words of Jesus, he never turned to Jesus for mercy.
Peter ran away, tears running down his face (Luke 22:62). He had betrayed his Lord, done exactly what he swore he would never do (Matthew 26:35). I can imagine Peter curled in a dark alley sobbing. “What have I done?” I can almost hear his repentant cries in the dark, “Jesus, Master, I am so sorry. You called me to be the Rock and tonight I crumbled. Please, I beg you to forgive my betrayal and weakness.”
“There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy, neither will misery exhaust it, because as it is being granted – it increases. The soul that trusts in My mercy is most fortunate, because I Myself take care of it.’” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1273
The difference is that Peter remembered Jesus’ mercy. He recalled all the parables of God’s love, he remembered how the Prodigal betrayed his father and was welcomed home. Peter remembered the loving words of Jesus as he called Matthew and himself from sin to a new life. Peter remembered Jesus rescuing him from the sea when he lost focus and sank. Judas only could feel sorry for himself. He was remorseful for what he had done, but never thought to look into Jesus’ eyes for the merciful gaze or word. Despite seeing all the merciful loving acts of Jesus and hearing of how merciful is God, Judas only saw his sin. Judas didn’t have the courage or strength of character to turn to God for Mercy. It is this act, or lack of, that made Judas’ betrayal unforgivable.
I beg you to have the courage to fall upon your knees before Jesus and say. “I’m sorry.” Don’t be discouraged by the depth of your betrayal. Don’t be afraid that your soul is stained as scarlet. Don’t be fearful that this is the umpteenth time you’ve committed the same sin. Never be so discouraged to not say to Jesus that you’re sorry. Any sin, ANY, can be forgiven by the contrite heart simply turning to Jesus’ merciful gaze and saying, “I’m sorry.” Imagine this story of mercy had Judas had the courage to turn to Jesus with those two simple words. Instead, in his heart, he ‘knew’ Jesus could never forgive him. And, he died in unrepentance.
No matter what you’re doing or have done that is sinful, repent. Trust in the Lord’s Divine Mercy over your fear. Turn to the Lord and turn it over to the Lord, let Him make the call of that sin is too big for His Mercy. Spoiler alert…it isn’t now, never will be.
Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fall upon your knees and say “I’m sorry, I won’t do that again.” As soon as you utter these words, the merciful gaze of Jesus falls upon your soul. His tears of joy will rival yours as the Ocean of His Mercy floods your soul. Strength to be a rock again Will course through your spirit.
So, what is the final word promised in the title of this post?
MERCY!!!