Denying Christ

The gospel today reminds and encourages us to live our lives consistent with the gospel values, consistent with what we say.

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."

Boom. Peter, the rock, the leader of the disciples says that he will follow Jesus and even lay down his life for him. Yet, Jesus says that he will deny him three times! We all know that this came true, that when Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Jesus three times. Nakakainis diba? Ang yabang to say that he will die for Jesus, pero pag nagkaka hirapan na, iniwan sya sa ere. Yes, nakakainis. But come to think, ganun din tayo eh…

When we live our lives in a different way with what we say, we deny Christ. When we say we serve and love him, yet act in another way when we’re with other people or when no one sees us, we deny Christ. When we do things our way, relying on our own skills and talents, rather than relying on Him, we deny Christ. When we do not forgive others who have hurt us, we deny Christ. When we do not make the most of the sacraments, especially the reconciliation and eucharist, we deny Christ. They say that hurt Christ more, rather than the physical pain he was feeling, was the feeling and thought that his friends and disciples abandoned him during his lowest and darkest moment. Let us not add to that sadness Christ feels. Let us do our part and not deny Him.

When we repent, when we choose to live our lives in honor and glory of Him whoever we are with, when we decide to fully focus on him, he will be ready to forgive us. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, and three times Peter said yes (John 21:15-19). They say this is Jesus way of making Peter feel better, of giving Peter a second chance to serve him. One question for every time he denied Jesus. Jesus is ready to forgive us, question is, are we ready to be forgiven and come to him with humble and repentant hearts, willing to change for Him?

God bless!

Ps see related reflections: http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/consistency-is-key.html and http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/01/consistency-is-key.html