Mocking, Denying and Loving

Luke’s Passion story contrasts the treachery of Peter’s denials and the meanness of the mocking crowd with Jesus’ loving and compassionate responses. 

Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times. (Lk 22:31-34) And Peter protested.  But in the end Jesus was right.  At the crowing of the cock, Luke says: “Jesus looked at Peter…and Peter remembered what Jesus said.” (Lk 22:60b-61)  Peter quickly regretted what he did and “went out and wept bitterly.” (Lk 22:62)

The crowd, the soldiers and the unrepentant thief mocked Jesus when they shouted “He saved others, now let Him save Himself”. It was a poisonous atmosphere. 

In spite of all that, Jesus healed the High Priest’s slave, whose ear had been cut off by one of Jesus’ followers. And He prayed for the soldiers who nailed Him to the cross saying: “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.”  And He was moved by the faith of the repentant thief, promising that he would be with Him in paradise. 

When Jesus tells us to ‘follow Him’ I think He wants us to replace poisonous atmospheres with love and compassion too.  What a challenge!

                                                   12 Hours of Confessions

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 10th, Sacred Heart Parish in Racine will be open from 8:00am until 8:00pm for anyone in our district who wishes to go to confession. 2-3 priests will be available throughout those 12 hours.

Every District in the Archdiocese has agreed to designate a particular Parish to do this same thing.  And it is especially appropriate to do this during this Lenten Season, in which the Gospels highlight the issues of Repentance, Forgiveness and Mercy.

If you are not sure what to confess, here are some possibilities: Anger, Pride, Lust, Laziness, Envy, Jealousy, Gluttony and Greed. My usual sins include: self-centeredness, lack of self-love, being judgmental, gossiping, and failing to do the good that I could do. 

And there are umpteen other possible sins as well.  So, if it’s been a while or maybe a few years since you’ve gone to confession, here’s a great opportunity to take advantage of this special day of Reconciliation.