Today’s Readings: Luke 22:1-7 and John 12:8
One of Christ’s closest companions, he witnessed the miraculous, observed love in action, and ate bread from the hand of God. But proximity did not equate to personal change or closeness to conversion.
Instead, scripture reveals that sin continued to wield power in Judas Iscariot’s life. Despite the admonitions and warnings of Jesus, Judas allowed avarice to strengthen its grip, therefore making a practice of stealing from the group’s money bag.
Why would Judas have betrayed a man who he had followed for three years? A man of obvious power? In Luke :21 Christ prophecies about Jerusalem’s destruction and warns that those who love him will suffer hatred, persecution, and even death because of it. Perhaps anger festered in Judas’s heart as he imagined his beloved temple torn apart. Or fear might have swayed his decision to give Jesus up to the religious leaders.
But the decision of the betrayer initiated a series of events that evening that altered history’s course. A few coins and a kiss sealed Christ’s fate as well as those who would later proclaim his name as Savior. May his name be in our minds + on our lips + and in out hearts + today and always as we give thanks and praise for Jesus’ sacrifice that our Lord Jesus has made for us all (+ symbols remind us to trace the cross on our forehead, lips and heart)
Reflection: Is there a sin in your life that you have been reluctant or find difficult to give up? If so, confess it to Jesus however your faith community prescribes the act of reconciliation and start fresh today keeping in mind that God's abundant grace is succinct!
Let us pray:
Eternal and ever living Father, we see the rising tide of anger and animosity toward those who believe in you. Help us to hold firmly to you and your promises, with a blessed assurance that no matter the storm, trial or situation, you are always near to us. Strengthen our faith and hope in you and embolden our spirits as we offer our lives to you in total love and trust of your divine will and plan for us. (Romans 12:1). We ask these and all prayers in the mighty name of our soon coming king, Jesus the Christ. Amen!