On Holy Tuesday, the Gospel gives us an insight into three apostles. It reveals the betrayal of Judas, which would end in despair and suicide. It reveals the three-fold denial of St. Peter, who would become the chief shepherd of the Church. And the Gospel reveals, John’s tender love of the Heart of Jesus, which caused him to faithfully stand at the foot of the Cross.
The betrayal of Judas was the result of greed, envy, and selfishness, which ended up causing him to hand over Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. He later regretted it, but completely lost hope, ending in despair, and hanged himself.
St. Peter’s triple denial was the result overwhelming confidence in himself, which blinded his need for God’s help. In the garden, he courageously drew his sword, and cut off the ear of Malchius. But later fled, denying the Lord 3-times that very night. After his denial, Peter gazed upon the eyes of Jesus, causing him to repent, and weep. Even though Peter did not despair like Judas, he didn’t have the courage to follow Jesus to Calvary. However, after the Resurrection, he would be filled with the Holy Spirit, and would guide and lead the Church, as its shepherd.
St. John, the beloved apostle, did have the courage to follow Jesus to Calvary. He rested his head against the Heart of Jesus, drank from the spring of love, and found refuge in the Heart of God. He hid in the Heart of Jesus, like a “polished arrow, in a quiver”.
Peter asked John to ask Jesus, to identify the betrayer. And so, John, resting his head against the Heart of Our Blessed Lord, said, “Master, who is it?” His confidence in asking the question, came from his great love for the Heart of Jesus, which made him much more courageous than Peter.
Due to his great love, it was John, who overcame his fears, and stood at foot of the Cross. Due to his love, it was John, whom Our Blessed Lord entrusted His Mother Mary. And, due to his love, it was John, who witnessed Our Lord’s Heart pierced with a lance.
Today, when we receive Holy Communion, let us rest our head upon the Heart of Jesus and say to Him, “In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Be a rock of refuge for me, a stronghold to give me safety. For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God from my youth.”