Betrayal and Denial

Gospel: John 13: 21-33, 36-38

Today's Gospel portion is bookended by two aspects of discipleship in every time and place - betrayal and denial.  The story starts with Judas' betrayal of Jesus, and it ends with Peter's threefold denial of Jesus.  As much as we do not wish to admit it, all of us will take part in this drama of Jesus' trial, execution, and death in these ways throughout our life.  We have our moments of betrayal, denial, and yes even in the torture and mocking of Jesus.

Consider how modern Christianity rejoices in the death of a child with measles, or in the carnage of Gaza, the firing squad of death row, the betrayal of Ukraine, the unjust deportation of legal residents, the exile of citizens, the abuse and mistreatment of immigrants, migrants, and refugees.  The person of Jesus is betrayed, denied, mocked, and scourged in the persons of the vulnerable, innocent, and marginalized - and in the mocking of empathy itself.  The passion play is re-enacted, and we often play the most unseemly roles in it.

This Holy Week, however, let us make a resolution to play a different part.  The role of Simon of Cyrene is available, as is Mary Magdalene, the centurion who repents his role in the carnage, Mary and John, Jesus himself.   This year, may we adopt a new role, one befitting a true disciple of the Lord, one that carries the cross with the Lord and bears the burdens of others.