REFLECT:
In the Passion today, we recall when Peter denied Our Lord. After the third person questions Peter, we hear: “’My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.’ Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ He went out and began to weep bitterly.” Can you imagine the pain in Christ’s eyes as He looked at Peter? Can you imagine the disappointment and hurt? Can you imagine how Peter felt as well? Every year this passage speaks to me in a profound way. How many times am I like Peter? How many times in my life, every day, do I deny Jesus by my sins? Am I sorry for hurting Our Lord? Do I weep? Even in our sinfulness, Christ never turns away from us. He is always there, facing us full of love and mercy to offer us forgiveness. We just have to ask for it.

PRAY:
Lord Jesus, give me the strength and understanding to recognize my sins, and to turn to You and seek forgiveness. Never let me be separated from You.

ACT:
Offer a prayer for someone who has caused you pain.