Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (John 13:21-33, 36-38)

Lord Jesus Christ,

in the intimacy of the Last Supper, Your heart was troubled, for You knew betrayal and denial were drawing near. You shared Your table with those You loved, yet among them was one who would betray You, Judas Iscariot, and another who would deny You, Simon Peter. Lord, we recognize ourselves in them. At times we betray You by our sins, choosing darkness over light. At other times, like Peter, we promise fidelity yet fail when we are tested. Have mercy on us, O Lord. When our hearts are weak, strengthen us. When we fall, raise us up. When we are tempted to turn away, draw us back to You with Your gentle love.

Lord Jesus, You knew all that would happen, yet You did not withdraw Your love. Even in betrayal, You remained faithful. Teach us to love with such depth, a love that forgives, a love that endures, a love that reflects Your own. You said, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Grant us patience and trust, especially when we do not understand Your ways. Help us to follow You not only with words, but with lives rooted in faithfulness and truth.

Lord, guard us from pride and overconfidence. Keep us humble, aware of our need for Your grace each day. And when we, like Peter, fall into denial, give us the grace of repentance, that we may return to You with sorrow and love, and be restored by Your mercy. As we continue this Holy Week journey, keep us close to You at the table of sacrifice. Let us not flee in fear, but remain with You in trust, until we share in the joy of Your Resurrection.Amen