On the first Holy Thursday, Jesus shared with his disciples the “Last Supper”, instituting the Eucharist, the same celebration in which we, today, can receive his Body and Blood in Holy Communion.

Then he took them to the garden where he prayed to God, preparing himself for the coming ordeal. The disciples were no help, falling asleep on the job.

Soldiers came, arrested him, took him off for trial and he was condemned to die. The apostle Peter showed how brave he was (not) by telling bystanders he didn’t even know Jesus.

* * *

Saint Luke’s gospel:

“Someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of his disciples.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I am not.’  Another insisted, ‘Certainly this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.’ Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are saying.’

“And immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.”

* * *

Many of us would like to follow Jesus. After all, who is there to compare with him as one to follow?

But following costs something.

In Saint Peter’s case: the self-discipline of keeping awake to pray with Jesus in his agony — plus taking the risk of acknowledging being a disciple — which might (who knows?) have led to him being crucified next day.

In our case: disciplining ourselves enough to spend in prayer and meditation a little of time we usually spend with the television or a stubbie — plus perhaps acknowledging our admiration of Christ by going to church.

* * *

Peter was eventually forgiven.

Jesus gave him a position of trust and he accepted (becoming the first Pope).

And yes — sure enough — he ended up being crucified as a result.

* * *

On this Holy Thursday 2010, ask yourself . . . .

Will you discipline yourself enough to turn up at church this Easter — risking ridicule, misunderstanding, or whatever – out of love for him, and wanting to follow him, no matter what the outcome?