Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
John the Evangelist uses descriptive images throughout his Gospel. For example, when Judas decided to betray Jesus and left the table to sell him for the 30 pieces of silver, the Gospel writer described the scene this way -- “And it was night.”
Even though Judas will play the greater part in the betrayal of Jesus, others will betray him too. Peter, who is so sure of himself (“I will lay down my life for you”), will deny Jesus three times before the cock crows, as predicted. It will soon be night for Peter too.
And for us?
By now, we admit that our sins were also responsible for the death of Jesus. If we had no sins, he would have had no reason to die for us. As it is, he did die so that we might be forgiven from that cross. “Father, forgive them,” was the prayer of Jesus for all of us. And just as it was night for us – and we were lost and confused – Jesus began to shine his light into our hearts – and we found his mercy and life through placing our faith in him and following him as his disciples.
As we continue to journey through Holy Week, we can take comfort that it will not end at Good Friday, but continue on to Easter Sunday, when Jesus becomes the light of the world, and our light too: it will no longer be night but become the dawn of a new day for us.