The Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he was out of the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He again denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26: 69-75)

Reflection

Like Jesus, who was denied by his own friend; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people are excluded, persecuted, and hated by communities that call themselves Christian. Jesus expressed unconditional love for ALL people and provided examples of how to love and advocate for them.

What can we do as followers of Christ? We are called to love radically, even when we do not agree with others or understand them. We are called to see the presence of God in all people and to love them for who they believe themselves to be. In doing so, we see the beauty of diversity and affirm the uniqueness of every child of God. We must remember that silence can be a form of oppression, so when faced with injustice… speak up and let people know that you see them.

Let us pray.

O God, who willed that in the passion of your Son a sword of grief should pierce the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary his mother: Mercifully grant that your Church, having shared with her in his passion, may be made worthy to share in the joys of his resurrection; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

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