We celebrated Palm Sunday again this year and listened to the Gospel of the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Even though I have heard it many times over, there was one specific part that stood out to me. It was the story of Peter and his relationship with Jesus. Perhaps because it seems very familiar to me. Before Jesus was arrested, Peter swore to Jesus that he would never deny him and that he would always show only love for him. But then when he is faced with a difficult situation, Peter refuses to acknowledge that he even knows Jesus. Then he realizes what he has done and weeps over his broken promises. I, too, have made promises to God about things I will do and ways that I will behave only to find myself going back on them. Sometimes I don’t even realize I am doing it until it’s too late. Then I feel terrible about it. The good news is that is not the end of the story. Earlier in the book of Matthew, Peter has an epiphany about who Jesus truly is – the Son of God. He knew this in his heart and soul. Jesus tells him that he will build his church upon the “rock of Peter”, which is why the Catholic Church states that Peter was the first Pope. Although he turned away from Christ – which we all do at some point – he turned back. Perhaps he more fully understood the mercy, love, and forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers. And he spread that message to everyone he could. I admit, sometimes I wallow in my own guilty feelings for not holding up my end of the promises I make. But when I turn back to Jesus, I also experience His loving compassion. though I seriously doubt I will ever become a pope.

I Found God today in a reminder of the forgiveness and grace that Jesus has to offer.