Yes, God will always choose life,
not abortion!
WILL YOU LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR ME?
[TUESDAY, 3 APRIL 2012]
Gospel Reading: John 13:21-33,36-38
When Jesus had thus spoken, He was troubled in spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom He spoke. One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus; so Simon Peter beckoned to Him and said, “Tell us who it is of whom He speaks.” So lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dropped it.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why He said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast”; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night.
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where, I am going you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow afterward.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, why cannot I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You. Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow, till you have denied Me three times. (Jn 13:21-33,36-38 RSV)
Prayer: Jesus, it is easy for me to identify with St. Peter, who was so confident that he would stand by You, but You predicted his betrayal. He was afraid of the suffering he would face, maybe even death. When the moment came for him to be tested, he didn’t have the courage. But there would come a time, when Peter suffered for You almost daily, when he gave his life in Your name.
Jesus, I’m still like the Peter before your death and resurrection. I promise I’ll be faithful, but I fall into sin. I say I’ll give my life for You, but I have denied You often. Give me the courage to do what my heart wants. It isn’t at all easy to do Your will in all things, to deny my own self to follow You. In Your mercy, hear me. With Your presence, I can choose in every instance to live and die for love of You. Amen.