Betrayal is nothing new to God, but He is not influenced by it, and still remains our Friend, in the truest sense.

There are two betrayals predicted by Jesus. One of Peter and the other of Judas. We can see the contrast in emotions of the Gospel writer, where one is glossed over to a certain degree, the other is down right looked down upon. I do not understand the reason for the looking down upon, was it that Judas betrayed Jesus, or was it that he went and hanged himself – showing that he had understood nothing of Jesus’ love, compassion and mercy.

But before we can conclude on betrayals, we need to look at another betrayal, this one is to do with us.  When we realise that even we have crucified Jesus, and we are as much culprits, as Judas, we then will we be able to look at this Gospel passage in the proper perspective. Again before you look at the passage, read Jesus’ parable of the servant who was forgiven a hefty overwhelming loan, by the king, but he himself could not forget and forgive a fellow servants miserly loan, which the second servant had taken from him. We then will realise, we cannot judge Judas, nor Peter, or even all the Apostles who themselves had deserted Jesus at His arrest and crucifixion.

But again, this passage does not call us to dwell on our betrayals, but to look at God’s ever outstretched hand of friendship. Acknowledge our shortcomings and grasp Jesus’ outstretched hand. That is what Peter did, didn’t he?

Ironically this whole episode also brings to mind Adam and Eve’s own actions. They were like Judas’, they like him missed understanding God’s undying, never failing,  ever present hand of friendship. But also like Judas, pushed God out of their life.

You and I are the same, but let us take a step back, see for ourselves, God’s Love for us, grasp his hand, like Mary, Lazarus’ sister, sit at Jesus’ feet, weeping and crying, asking for forgiveness, receiving it and crying all the more at God’s overwhelming love of us.