As people, we need people. In fact, it is people that give real happiness in life. Hence, one of the most painful of all human experiences is being “denied” – “You can choose your friends, but not your family” is typically said when we are disowning someone in the family. Further, being rejected is also very painful. Surely we have experienced being rejected for our appearance, our citizenship, the way we carry ourselves, our economic class, our religion, and many other reasons. 

One of the most infamous denials in the Gospel was by Peter, who previously pledged undying loyalty to Jesus, yet denied him not once, not twice, but three times. 

When we experience Rejection and Denial, three things we remember:

1. Forgive. Many times we ask the question, “Why did you do this to me?” But often, we will never get the answer. We must forgive even if the person who denied and rejected us is not asking for it. Forgiveness is for us to take away the anger that can consume us every day.
2. Some relationships are not meant to be. Some people will never like us or accept us. That is life and that is part of life. Hence, we can just move on and not try to please these kinds of people. 
3. Beware of taking revenge. There is a saying, “The victim becomes the victimizer.” One cannot predict life. Who knows one day, when circumstances present themselves, watch out for the temptation to deny or reject others. Let the vicious cycle stop with me. 

In this Mass, may we always remember Jesus in one of the most painful events in his life. Further, he knows what we are going through when denied or rejected. May we remember to forgive, move on, and avoid taking revenge on others.