Peter and Judas
Two Sinners, One Saint
There are two unique figures juxtaposed throughout the Gospels: Judas and Peter.
These two biblical characters reflect our human brokenness and God’s sheer grace. In other words, the effects of Original Sin and God’s power are on full display.
Of course, Judas represents betrayal and Peter reflects denial.
Judas is placed by Dante (in his work The Divine Comedy) in the depths of hell. Judas is alongside Brutus and Cassius as they are being eaten by the devil. Dante’s point could not be clearer: betrayers are right alongside Lucifer in the misery of hell. We shouldn’t separate ourselves from Judas though, the effects of Original Sin are present in us as well.
Each time we sin, we betray Christ to a certain extent. We undermine Him. We commit sins behind His back, so to speak. We enter into the darkness hoping He won’t notice. We all make some deals with the devil each time we sin.
John’s Gospel could not be clearer concerning Judas’ actions when it uses the words “and it was night.” The scene depicts darkness, despair, and death. Such is the path of betrayal, it’s spiritual death.
We can also relate to Peter in the Gospels. Consider Peter’s responses to Jesus, “Master, where are you going?” Peter is ready to follow Jesus no matter what the circumstances may be. Jesus responds, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now.” Peter becomes frustrated and responds, “Master, why can I not follow you now?”
We all have had moments of high ideals in our spiritual lives. We have all had anticipation, motivation, excitement, and intensity to follow the Lord. Peter has the desire but he has no clue what is in store for him. Of course, Jesus knows what lies ahead.
Jesus then answers, “Will you lay down your life for me?” It is one thing to have high ideals and excitement to follow Jesus, it’s a different matter to die for him. Of course, Jesus is putting Peter in his place.
We know that within just a few hours, Peter goes from stating that he will follow Jesus to saying three times “I don’t know the man.” Before the cock crows, Peter denies Jesus three times.
It would be wise to place ourselves in Peter’s sandals. We often deny Jesus when our faith becomes challenged. It is easy for us to cast blame on God when life becomes difficult. We can quit the spiritual journey the moment it becomes difficult. We can shy away from our Christian roots the moment it becomes challenging. Like Peter, we can live in such a way that says “I don’t know the man.”
We can easily slip into weakness, sin, and even denial.
Our brokenness is often on full display throughout the Gospels. The prideful and unhealthy response is “Thank God I am not like Judas and Peter.” Instead, the humble and healthy response is “Oh dear, I have moments like Judas and Peter. Lord, please save me, a sinner.”
There is bad news with Judas and good news with Peter.
Judas never returned to Jesus, but Peter did. May we follow the path of Peter and seek forgiveness from the Lord.
Fr. Ben Daghir
I always read these and forward them to friends and family. Thank you for continuing to write them.