Judas betrays Christ, yet Peter’s denial is no less a betrayal. After all, he had only just promised to die for Christ. He will indeed give his life for Christ, but there is much need for healing and growth before he arrives at that point.

We all fall short. We all deny Christ, if not in so many words, then at least by our failure to live out our principles and convictions. What should we do when confronted by sin?

Firstly, do not despair. Judas’ sin was not unforgivable. For the Lord says, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow’ (Isaiah 1:18). Instead, let Peter be your example. He, too, recognises his wrongdoing, but he doesn’t lose trust in God’s mercy. When we find ourselves struggling with temptation or perhaps fallen into sin, it is good to remember that God, from all eternity, has known that we would find ourselves in such a situation. God is not surprised or perturbed by our frailty.

Secondly, don’t let pride separate you from the Lord. Judas couldn’t forgive himself and seemingly believed he was beyond the forgiveness of God. This, strangely enough, is an example of pride. It overestimates our own capability — ‘How could I do such a thing?’— and underestimates the greatness of God’s mercy. Humility, on the other hand, accepts our limitations and seeks growth, accepting that God is greater than our fallibility.

Thirdly, start anew in Christ. After his resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’ Peter affirms his love and is recommissioned to his ministry (c.f. John 21:15-19). We are called to hear the word of God and respond. We fall short, yet with the help of Christ, we pick ourselves up and start again.

by Fr Michael Grace