When You’re Close to God but Still Miss the Mark – Apr 15 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 15, 2025, where he contrasts Judas’s betrayal with Peter’s repentance, highlighting the difference between unfaithful and faithful, flawed disciples.

Father reflects on the Gospel passage from John 13:21-38, set during the Last Supper, where Jesus announces, “One of you will betray me” (John 13:21). He highlights the contrast between Judas, the “unfaithfully flawed disciple,” and Peter, the “faithfully flawed follower.”

Judas, handed the morsel by Jesus (John 13:26), allows Satan to confirm his will to betray (John 13:27), driven by avarice and malice, as seen in his criticism of Mary for using costly ointment (John 12:1-8). Father notes Judas’s “recognize and resist” mindset, focusing on others’ faults rather than his own.

Conversely, Peter, despite his flaws, is faithful. He boldly claims, “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37), yet Jesus predicts his denial before the cock crows (John 13:38). Peter’s repentance, evident after his denial when he “wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62) and in his humility at the miraculous catch of fish (John 21), reflects a “recognize and repent” spirituality. Father emphasizes that sins of malice are graver than those of weakness (CCC 1859), but Peter’s reformable heart, molded by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, shows hope for all.

Like Peter, we must remove the “log” from our own eye before helping others (Matthew 7:5), seeking grace to embrace repentance (CCC 1431). Father concludes that Peter, like Moses and David, is flawed but faithful, urging us to follow his example.

For Further Reading
John 13:21-38 - NAB - Jesus Predicts Betrayal and Denial - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/13?21
John 12:1-8 - NAB - Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/12?1
Luke 5:8 - NAB - Peter’s Confession of Sinfulness - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/5?8
John 21 - NAB - Peter Professes His Love for Jesus - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21
Luke 22:62 - NAB - Peter Weeps After Denial - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/22?62
Matthew 7:5 - NAB - Remove Log from Your Eye - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/7?5
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1859 - Mortal Sin Requires Full Consent - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1859.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1431 - Repentance as Interior Conversion - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1431.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1814 - Faith as Total Adherence - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1814.htm

00:00 - Introduction
00:09 - Gospel from John 13
00:35 - Judas and Peter Introduced
01:02 - Judas’s Betrayal Explained
02:33 - Satan Enters Judas
03:20 - Peter’s Faithful Flaws
05:43 - Recognize and Repent Spirituality
08:02 - Embrace Peter’s Example

Ave Maria!

Mass: Tuesday Holy Week - Wkdy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/041525.cfm
1st: isa 49:1-6
Resp: psa 71:1-6, 15, 17
Gsp: joh 13:21-33, 36-38

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1685

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