The University of Johannesburg Choir sings the Kyrie from Missa De Meridiana Terra: Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness.

Kyrie eleison

Christe eleison

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 13:21-33,36-38

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.

Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterwards.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.

This is one of the most iconic scenes in the Gospels. It is the moment of truth for both Peter and Judas and perhaps for the beloved disciple. How would it feel to be any one of the characters in the story? What words or feelings come to you as you relive the scene?

Jesus loves all his disciples, including Judas. There is a Judas, a Peter and a beloved disciple within each of us embodied in our lived response to Jesus. What does it feel like to have him love each and every part of yourself and your own story?

As you listen to part of this reading again, notice what stays with you and why. Can you face hearing Jesus’ words and meeting his eye? If not, why not? If so, what desire arises within you?

Each of the three disciples named here has a personal story of response to Jesus that subsequently unfolds. What is your personal response as a participant in this scene?

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.