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Holy Week - Tuesday
By Pat Lee | March 18, 2008
Tuesday of Holy Week
Scripture Passage: John 13: 21-33, 36-38
Scripture Verse: “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I hand this piece of bread after I have dipped it in the dish. So he dipped the piece of bread and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.” John 13:26
Reflection: Sadly, few–if any–of us go through life without feeling betrayed by someone at some point or another. Knowing how painful it is to be betrayed allows us to perhaps imagine how painful it must have been for Jesus. Judas was one of his followers, a companion on the journey, somebody who had listened to his teachings, witnessed Jesus’ healing forgiving love in action. And yet, in John’s Gospel, Jesus knew that Judas would be the one to betray him.
The piece of bread that Jesus takes and gives to Judas reminds us of the Eucharist. Even at this moment of pain, faced with somebody who will surely betray him, Jesus– earlier described by John as “the Living Bread” (John 6)–shares bread with Judas. What an example of self-giving love. What a challenge to us to be as generous with those who have hurt us.
We encounter people who try our patience, annoy us, perhaps some who seek to betray us. When we are in situations where we must interact regularly with such people, how do we respond? If can be difficult to be polite and respectful toward a person we do not trust.
Such situations suggest the need for both prayer and caution. When interacting with such individuals, we may be tempted to respond with hostility. Jesus models for us a better approach–a demonstration of the respect that is part of our baptismal promises to seek the Christ in all persons–to respect the dignity of every human being.
Prayer: God of mercy and love, your Son Jesus gives us the ultimate example of love, even in the face of betrayal. Forgive the times that I have betrayed others or that I have not treated others with respect. Give me the grace to be able to model Christ’s love to all whom I encounter this day. Amen
Topics: Lent |
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