On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, which is Tuesday of Holy Week, we reflect on the Gospel of John 13:21-33, 36-38. In this passage, Jesus shares a poignant moment with his disciples, revealing that one of them will betray him. Despite their confusion and Peter’s bold declarations of loyalty, Jesus foretells Peter’s denial. This scripture invites us to reflect on human weakness and the profound love Jesus shows even in moments of betrayal.
Catholic Reflections – Betrayal and Denial
Date: Tuesday 31 March 2026
liturgical
Liturgical: Tuesday of Holy Week
Outline:
• Opening prayer
• Full Gospel reading (word for word)
• Key points
• Concluding prayer
• Tags
Gospel – John 13:21–33, 36–38 (full reading, word for word):
‘One of you will betray me… The cock will not crow till you have denied me three times.’
At that time: Jesus was reclining at table with his disciples. He was troubled in his spirit, and testified, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at the side of Jesus, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.’ So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the money bag, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the feast’, or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, “Where I am going you cannot come.” ’
Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered him, ‘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? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow till you have denied me three times.’
Key Points:
1. Jesus knows the human heart
Even in betrayal, Jesus remains calm and in control, aware of all that is to come.
2. Darkness enters quietly
Judas leaves—and “it was night.” Sin often begins in small choices that lead into darkness.
3. God’s glory through suffering
Jesus speaks of glory at the very moment betrayal begins. The Cross is not defeat, but glory.
4. Human weakness is real
Peter’s confidence turns into denial. We too can fall when we rely only on ourselves.
5. Hope beyond failure
Jesus foretells Peter’s denial, but also his future following. Failure is not the end.
Concluding Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You see our hearts completely—
our love, our weakness, and our struggles.
Protect us from the path of betrayal,
and strengthen us when we are tempted to fall.
When we are confident in ourselves,
teach us humility and trust in You.
If we fail like Peter,
give us the grace to return with repentance and love.
Lead us out of darkness into Your light,
and keep us close to You always.
In this Holy Week,
help us to remain faithful,
watchful, and full of trust in Your mercy.
Amen.
Tags: Catholic, Holy Week, Tuesday of Holy Week, John 13, Last Supper, Judas, Peter, Betrayal, Denial, Faith, Weakness, Mercy, Conversion, Light and Darkness, Discipleship, Passion, Daily Gospel, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections