“You denied the Holy and Righteous One.” (Acts 3:14)
Peter and John had just healed a man by calling on the name of Jesus. Amazed by this miracle, a crowd gathered around them, and Peter knew that God was ready to do more than heal one man. He was ready to bring inner freedom and new life to everyone there. Quickly, Peter began to speak, turning everyone’s attention away from himself to Jesus. He reminded them that they had all denied Jesus, even allowing a murderer to be released from prison in his place.
Imagine what was running through Peter’s mind as he preached there at Solomon’s Portico. Was it all that long ago that he himself had stood in the Temple courts pretending that he didn’t know Jesus? If anyone had “denied the Holy and Righteous One,” surely he was just as guilty! But greater than the depth of Peter’s guilt on that fretful night was his experience of Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness. He knew firsthand Jesus’ ability to wash away his sins and failings. And nothing would stop him from proclaiming this truth!
Why did Peter speak such direct and convicting words? Couldn’t he just have reminded them of how Jesus healed people, and that he is still healing people now? No, he couldn’t. His own experience was too fresh in his memory—and it was too dramatic for him to brush aside. He himself had come face-to-face with his own sin, and in that moment, he also came face-to-face with Jesus’ forgiveness.
It’s also important to see that Peter was not singling out one group of people that day. Rather, he was speaking to everyone—even to all of us, because we have all sinned, and we are all covered by God’s incredible mercy.
Every time we celebrate Mass, we have the chance to recall our sins and lay them at the foot of the cross. The Penitential Rite is a perfect opportunity for us to open our hearts and let Jesus wash us clean. Our shame can be stripped away, and we can be set free. Yes, we have denied Jesus. But he will always remain faithful, “for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13)!
“Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness! Even though I have denied you in so many ways, you still love me and welcome me back. You are the Holy and Righteous One, and I give you my life.”
--that in all things God may be glorified-
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