There is Always a Last Chance to Repent.

Tuesday 16^th April, 2019. Read Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 71 and John 13:21-38

_“So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified.’” *(John 13:30-31)*_ 

One thing that is so clear from today’s Gospel passage is that God sees our hearts and He knows our tomorrow from today. Not only did Jesus predict the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, but he also predicted the triple-denial of Peter. By mentioning it, Jesus was giving Judas Iscariot and Peter last chances change their mind at the right time.

When Jesus said “one of you will betray me”, Judas ought to have asked himself: “How did he know?” However, Judas did not realize this was his last chance. He too joined in the chorus of denials. “Is it I, Master?” Like Judas, when we make up our minds to do something evil, we continue living in denial until we have done it.

John tells that as soon as Judas ate the morsel of bread, Satan entered him. What does this mean? When God gives us a chance to repent and we ignore God, we reach a point of no return! Our evil-self takes over. Are you contemplating something evil or sinful you plan to do? This might just be your last chance at repentance. You still have the power to say “No”. Open up to Jesus before it is too late.

Having seen that Judas walked out, Jesus was now certain that Judas had made his choice. Jesus knew exactly what would happen next but instead of crying over the lashes, blows and insults, he decided to focus on the brighter side: “Now, the Son of Man is glorified and in him, God is glorified.” Jesus had a positive approach to life. One great lesson we must learn from Jesus.

Jesus told his disciples he was going somewhere but they could not come immediately. Peter who obviously did not understand what Jesus was saying began to boast: “I will lay down my life for you.” Like a young man making promises to the woman he loves, Peter spoke without weighing the full implications of such a promise. Jesus was not carried away. He laughed at him and told him he would deny him three times that same day.

How often have I made promises which I never kept? Have I been faithful to my vows to God? Do I say what I mean and mean what I say?

Like Judas who denied the betrayal, Jesus was also giving Peter the last chance to make the right choice when that maid and others would point fingers at him as one of the disciples of Jesus. I guess Peter did not remember what Jesus said until he eventually heard the cock crow.

I think Judas and Peter had the same problem. They seemed to care too much about what others were thinking. Judas would not own up to his planned betrayal and Peter made a promise so that others will think good of him. We have to learn from this experience to stop been too concerned about public opinion lest we fail to realize our last chances. It is better to be laughed at by people on earth than to be laughed at in hellfire.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you know my future but you also gave me a will capable of saying “No” to evil when I am tempted. Teach me to re-write my destiny by making the right choices. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the Holy Week. Bible Study: Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 71 and John 13:21-38).