Peter and Judas: A Difference of Hope

By Jillian Cooke, MTh, MAPM

Fr. Kolbe Missionary of the Immaculata

The difference between Peter and Judas was contrasted during today's homily. While the priest focused on the repentance of the two, my mind asked why one would become the Pope and the other take his own life? 

After all, Peter wept bitterly and Judas threw the 13 pieces of silver back. Up to that point the two men had denied Our Lord and admitted they were wrong. It is true that Judas' offense is terribly grievous, but God's mercy is amazingly immense. What if Judas had gone out and wept bitterly and confronted the Lord with the words of "doubting Thomas" - my Lord and my God? We know that he did not, but instead took matters into his own hands, despairing of God's mercy, and controlling matters unto the end. Peter, on the other hand, was more like the child caught in the wrong - crying bitterly, because he had offended His Lord and God. Peter was more in love with God than afraid of his punishments. Peter had hope. 

Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.  (CCC 1817) Peter had hope. Judas did not. 

- We desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness. 

Hope is not wishing, or even expecting, good things in this life. Rather, it puts the soul at ease through turmoil and difficulties, because it is not looking for happiness here and now - but in the next. A hopeful person rejoices in the kingdom of God that is present today, in the sacraments, in the Church, in the life of grace.... and waits in anticipation for the fulfillment of God's promises in the next. 

- We place our trust in God's promises. Hope is certain. It does not depend on the goodness of human beings or the accuracy of science. Hope is not a false optimism that "it will definitely not rain tomorrow," while clouds gather beyond our sight.  It is certain, because it is trusting that the Lord keeps his promises. He has promised eternal life for those who eat his body and drink his blood worthily. He has promised that all things turn to good for all those who love him. He has promised that heaven is ours if we unite ourselves to him, as the branch is united to the vine. Hope is being certain about what God has promised, and therefore, we do not rely on our own strength. 

- We do not rely on our own strength, but on the grace of the Holy Spirit. Presumption tells us that we will get to heaven, because we've done so much good in this life. We will get to heaven, because we've gone to Mass every day. We will get to heaven, because we are good. This becomes the prayer of the Pharisee who prays "to himself" and thanks the heavens that he is not a sinner. We can't get ourselves into heaven without taking up our cross and following him. It is the LORD who makes it bearable. Without him we are nothing, but hope reminds us that we DO HAVE HIM, and so we do not take upon ourselves our own punishment. As it is the Lord's to reward, it is the Lord to punish. We go to confession to ask forgiveness and be forgiven, but we do not beat ourselves up and take matters into our own hands. This is the more subtle side of presumption and doubt,  but each side can be a slippery path to despair - the opposite of hope. 

This deeper understanding of hope emphasizes that while Judas was a man of despair, Peter was a man of hope. He wept and allowed God to dry his tears. He fell, and got up again. Peter's hope became so great that he gave his life for Christ, confident in the promise of eternal joy that awaited those who love God. Peter allowed his love for God to carry him beyond his sins and weaknesses. In a nutshell, he know longer stopped at the cross, but looked to the resurrection. Peter knew that Hope Saves!

We pray during this holy week to be like Peter - aware of our weakness, repentant of our sins, accepting the love of God, and ready to embrace the cross with HOPE.