Wednesday of Holy Week

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

Tomorrow, of course, is Holy Thursday. It will be the last supper that Jesus had with his disciples before his death. While he was at supper with them, he shocked eleven by saying there was a betrayer among them. We can only speculate about Judas’ motive. The fact is that Judas had been with Jesus for his entire public ministry. He had witnessed his miracles, been privileged to hear him teach about God and his kingdom in this world, and seen the reverence in which the ordinary people held him. He had also experienced the love that Jesus had for him. Why did he do it? Why?

We can easily blame Judas. But Matthew did not write this so that we could point the finger at Judas. He is asking us to look at ourselves. Jesus has loved all of us. All of us have the Scriptures telling us of Jesus- the things he did, his teaching about God, and his invitation to eat with him at his table. And all of us are capable of betraying him. We do that each time that we sin. Perhaps not as crassly as Judas, but betrayals nonetheless. We forget the love we have been shown and choose our sinful way instead.

Our Eucharists offer us opportunities to treasure more the love that Jesus has for us. Our participation should strengthen us so that we can recognize our own weaknesses and immerse ourselves more deeply in the love of Christ.

How can I profit from each Mass so that I never do anything to separate myself from Christ?

Let Us Pray:

O loving Jesus, forgive me for the times I have failed you by my sins. May I always strive to love you more deeply as I become more appreciative of your love for me?