John 13:21-33,36-38        Tuesday of Holy Week

Our Gospel reading for today puts Judas and Peter side by side. The sin of Judas was deliberate and calculated. It was carried out in cold blood. In the language of a court, the sin of Judas was “with malice aforethought.” The sin of Peter, on the other hand, was not at all intended. Peter was simply swept away in a moment of weakness. Judas gave up. He could see no way out, but to end it all. Peter took a different route. He waited. He waited in shame and despair, but he waited. And the opportunity came for him to make a new start. If we try to deal with our sins ourselves, they can destroy us.  If we take them to Jesus, he will forgive them and give us another chance.  The choice is ours.