Test of Loyalty

Reflection Date: March 31, 2026 | Tuesday of Holy Week 
Daily Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38

Children of God:
In the fourth century, the Christian world faced a serious theological controversy called Arianism.

This teaching came from a priest named Arius.

He argued that Jesus was not truly God but only a created being.

According to him, the Son was inferior to the Father and did not share the same divine nature.

His ideas spread quickly and caused deep division among Christians.

Many believers struggled to understand the true identity of Jesus.

To resolve the conflict, Church leaders gathered in the Council of Nicaea in the year 325.

After long discussions and prayer, the council rejected the teaching of Arius.

They declared that the Son was truly divine and shared the same nature as the Father.

This teaching later became part of the Nicene Creed that Christians continue to profess today.

The controversy reminded the Church that understanding who Jesus truly is remains essential to the Christian faith.

In the gospel story of John, the disciples gathered with Jesus during the Last Supper.

During the meal, Jesus became deeply troubled in spirit. He revealed that one of them would betray him.

The disciples looked at one another, uncertain about whom he meant.

Jesus gave a piece of bread to Judas, and after receiving it, Judas left the room.

Later in the conversation, Peter expressed strong loyalty and said he was ready to lay down his life for Jesus.

Yet Jesus responded with a warning that he too would deny him three times.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, Knowing who Jesus truly is shapes our faith.

The Church recognized that Jesus shared the same divine nature as the Father.

In the gospel story, Jesus spoke with authority about his mission and his relationship with the Father.

His words revealed that his identity went beyond the understanding of many people around him.

Faith today still begins with the same question.

Who is Jesus for us? Who is Jesus for me?

When we recognize him as the Son of God and the Savior, our lives begin to revolve around his truth and his mission.

Second, Even sincere believers experience moments of weakness.

Peter loved Jesus and believed in him.

His promise to lay down his life sounded sincere and courageous.

Yet Jesus knew that Peter would soon face fear and uncertainty.

When the moment of trial came, Peter denied knowing Jesus.

His story reminds us that human strength alone cannot sustain faith.

Yet Peter’s failure did not end his relationship with Christ.

Later, he returned with humility and became one of the strongest leaders of the early Church.

His journey reminds us that weakness can become the beginning of deeper faith.

As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: Who is Jesus in my life today? Do I see him only as a teacher or truly as the Son of God and Savior? When my faith faces fear or difficulty, do I remain faithful or do I turn away? How can I strengthen my relationship with Christ so that my loyalty becomes stronger each day?

Children of God:
Holy Tuesday reminds us that faith is tested in the quiet and dramatic moments of life.

The early Church struggled to defend the true identity of Jesus, and that struggle strengthened Christian belief.

We may experience moments of doubt or weakness, but God’s grace continues to guide us.

Like Peter, we always have the opportunity to return and grow stronger in faith.

Let us remain faithful to the truth about Christ and trust in his mercy.