In today's gospel reading, when Jesus predicted his betrayal by Judas and that of Peter, we can somewhat sense the pain and hurt that Jesus felt then. Our personal experiences of betrayal will help us enter into Jesus' feelings at that time.

Simon Peter's statement "I will lay down my life for you." And Jesus' prediction of his betrayal was real! Today, let us ask ourselves the question: "In what ways have I betrayed Jesus in my life?"

If we believe that, as Christians, we are to live Christ's values, let us live the servanthood of Christ as reflected in the First reading (Isaiah 49) and know that in the deepest being of our lives, Jesus' spirit continues to prompt and move us into our own realities as He is truly present in and through such situations.

So, let us take up the courage to face the challenges confronting us as Christians in our society. Are we ready to stand up for our faith and to pray, hope and struggle in order to ensure that 'Justice and Peace' reigns. Let this be our sense of unity with Jesus' Spirit that helps us live through this Holy Week.