Yesterday was Palm Sunday, so at Mass the events from Jesus’ celebrated entry into Jerusalem through the Crucifixion were read…according to the Gospel of Luke this year. I was caught by surprise Sunday morning, by a segment of the reading that had never sat with me like it did this time.
“…Assuredly, this man too was with him,
for he also is a Galilean.”
But Peter said,
“My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.”
Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed,
and the Lord turned and looked at Peter;
and Peter remembered the word of the Lord,
how he had said to him,
“Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.”
He went out and began to weep bitterly.
As these words were read, I began to cry with Peter. Why do you think Jesus looked at Peter? ….to say to him “I told you so”….”Peter you are such a bad person”…. or, I love you Peter, even when you deny me.” I recognized that feeling of looking to God, and realizing the sadness of failing to love Him yet another time. To have Jesus return a glance my way with Love, and wishing I could do better. Knowing that in His eyes reveal that; Peter, I am going to my Cross, so you don’t have to endure yours. That is how I love you Peter. Then is when we weep bitterly, …because we know we need Jesus to carry that cross, our cross …because in our weakness we drop ours daily.
This is what I see, when I fail to love enough, and my Lord turns his glance to me. I see a Savior crucified, because Love chose me.
Veronicas Veil 