Tuesday of Holy Week

IT WAS NIGHT…

As we journey through this holiest time of the year, we slowly reflect on some key moments that lead to the passion of Christ. Jesus announces the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. All this was at night. Nighttime is a time of darkness. Darkness is a contrasting theme in the gospel of John. John speaks of light in contrast to darkness. Jesus is the light, and going far away from Jesus is darkness. The evil one takes authority in darkness. Judas had evil thoughts, but his departure from the room was a total submission to the evil one.

This Holy Week is a symbol of that light in the darkness. It is the image of Jesus at table with his dear ones in the middle of the night. It reminds us of how important it is to stick to the presence of Jesus. This holy moment is a call to stick to Jesus, primarily through his presence in the Eucharist. We are called to be holy.

Today’s gospel text presents us with a disciple leaning on the breast of Jesus – this is the position we should assume during this Holy Week. Let us not only be in the presence of the Lord but also lean to his breast (heart). The heart of Jesus is where we feel the most of his love. Next to his heart, we have the strength to confront darkness and find love, forgiveness, and peace. May this Holy Week push us more to the heart of Jesus as we gather around his table so that we might confront this world full of darkness with the light: Jesus himself.

Let us Pray:

I love you, Jesus, my love above all things. I repent with all my heart for offending you; never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always, then do with me what you will. I acknowledge the moments I have conceded to the powers of darkness and pray that I stick to you all my life. May this Holy Week bear fruits of grace from you.