Peter, my friend, why are you weeping?
I have betrayed my master and forsaken my friend. I have crucified my Lord and my God. How could I forgive myself? Will He ever forgive me?
Peter, my friend, it is not too late. Come to me. Draw near. See the body of my Son resting on my lap. Observe the print of the nails on His hands and on His feet. See the open side of my Saviour and your Saviour. A soldier pierced the Sacred Side of the Only Begotten Son and opened for the world the source of forgiveness and reconciliation. Draw water and blood from the wells of salvation (cf. Is 12.3). See the water and bathe yourself in it for regeneration. See the blood and wash your garments and your soul. Leave your sadness behind. Put on hope and joy. My Son loved you and gave Himself up for you.
My shame is too big. How could I dare approach the One I wounded in my weakness and my pride?
Peter, my son, now is the time of mercy. Jesus dying gave me to the beloved disciple – who is John, and you, and whoever welcomes me in faith. Jesus made me the mother of His disciples at the very time he made me the mother of His mercy. My Immaculate Heart has been pierced by the sword of God. My Heart, the Heart of your mother, is wounded by love and overflows with mercy. All His love and all His mercy, my Son entrusted to me so that I, in turn, may bestow them upon all who turn to Him and to me. Come to me, I shall lead you to Him. Peter, my son, do not be afraid. You will be met only with forgiveness and love.
I come to you, Jesus, my Jesus, Jesus, my Saviour. I come to you who bore my sins on your Cross.
I adore your Holy Cross which brought us healing, resurrection, and life eternal.
I adore your Holy Face which reveals to the world the infinite depths of your Father’s love.
I adore you Jesus who loved me, and the world, to the end. “You know everything, you know that I love you.” (Jn 21:17).
With all my heart, broken by my sin and healed by your merciful love, I confess: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16)