Simon Peter and Judas

Traditionally, today is called Spy Wednesday: the day that Judas finalized the plans to betray Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Today’s betrayal and yesterday’s predication of Peter’s denial need to be seen together. Both men were long term disciples, and both had a place in the Lord’s heart. Simon who had been entrusted with the name Peter; the rock upon whom the Church would be built. Judas trusted with the money of the group and one trusted to give the alms to the poor. We could assume that both were friends with Jesus and part of his intimate circle.

Yet, these two basically do the same thing at the end. One sells him for money, the other buys his own safety by his denial and silence. I actually feel sorry for them both. The guilt and regret they must have had when they saw what the outcome must have caused more pain that any slap or punch. What the difference was how each one responded.

Judas, overcome with despair and guilt, hangs himself, according to St Matthew’s account. He could not even give away the blood money. I wonder every year what would have happened if Judas had not killed himself but waited until after the Resurrection. Would Jesus forgave him? If we truly believe that our God forgives all those with a contrite heart, then he would. History has not been nice to Judas and maybe unfair. He knew had a committed the biggest betrayal since Adam and Eve betrayed God in the Garden of Eden.

Simon, on the other hand, the strong fisherman, runs away with guilt and regret and hides out somewhere until it is all over. I bet he had the same level of despair as Judas. What made him different. Somehow, he found hope in his despair. Maybe it was his brother or wife that he clung to. It could have been that he heard Jesus on the Cross had forgiven the repentant thief. Whatever it was, Simon found the strength to confront his despair, and he found hope on Easter morning in the words of Mary of Magdala: I have seen the Lord.

As we come to the end of Lent tomorrow and begin the solemn Paschal fast tomorrow evening, let us learn from these two men this lesson: if we hold on to God with all our might, we will never be lost, not even in the darkest moments of despair.