John 13:21–33, 36–38 WHEN LOVE IS BETRAYED… AND STILL REMAINS

Year A, Tuesday of Holy Week

 Today’s Gospel brings us into a deeply emotional moment. Jesus is at the Last Supper, surrounded by His closest disciples, and yet in that sacred setting, a painful truth emerges: one of them will betray Him, and another will deny Him.

 To be betrayed by someone you trust, to be denied by someone who loves you—these are not just events from the Gospel;  they are real human experiences.  Many of us know what it feels like to be hurt, misunderstood, or let down. And if we are honest, we also know what it feels like to fail, to fall short, to not live up to our promises.

 Judas betrays. Peter promises loyalty but will deny Jesus. And in between them stands Jesus, fully aware of everything that is about to happen. What is striking is not just the betrayal or the denial, but how Jesus responds. He does not react with anger. He does not reject them. He does not withdraw His love. Even in the face of betrayal, Jesus continues to love. This reveals something powerful: God’s love is not dependent on our perfection.

 Peter is sincere—he truly believes he will remain faithful. But when fear comes, he falls. That is where many of us see ourselves. We want to be faithful, but in moments of pressure or weakness, we fail. Yet Jesus already knows Peter’s failure—and still chooses him. He knows Judas’ betrayal—and still gives him a place at the table. This is both humbling and comforting, because it means Jesus knows us completely and still loves us.

 Holy Week invites us to face this truth honestly. There are moments when we have been hurt like Jesus, and moments when we have failed like Peter. But neither betrayal nor failure has the final word—love does. Jesus continues His journey to the cross, showing us that love is stronger than human weakness. 

 A powerful truth for today: Even when we are unfaithful, Christ remains faithful.

 With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

 Father Leo