A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”
These words from today’s Gospel follow Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. John tells us that after Judas took the morsel that Jesus gave him, Satan entered him. Jesus then tells Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” When Judas leaves, Jesus says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once.” He also tells them he will be with them only a little while longer. It seems at first odd that Jesus should say at this betrayal that he is glorified and that God is glorified in him. However, Jesus looks to the short time ahead when his death and resurrection will fulfill his Father’s will in bringing redemption and salvation to all.
God, what opportunities are there for me today that will give you glory? To know your will begins by first seeking and knowing it and then doing it. For me, it is impossible that every action of mine would reach that end. Help me understand that this is not something I can accomplish on my own but instead has to begin with you. Work with me today, God; work through me so that I allow you to work all things for the good. After betraying Jesus, Peter ultimately laid down his will and his life for Christ. Help me be faithful to you, Lord, through my thoughts, words, and actions.
Sometimes, Lord, I lose the opportunity to know your presence through silence, afraid that I’ll have little to measure against the yardstick of time. Teach me to be quiet, to want what you want, to accomplish your immeasurable will.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.