Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Today we read about the betrayal of Judas as remembered by the Gospel of Matthew. The Apostles were gathered with Jesus at the Passover and Jesus predicted, “One of you will betray me.” They all wonder, “Is it me?” “Surely it is not I, Lord?”
We know that Jesus was referring to Judas. And he had some harsh words to say about him, “It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
But we are also left to wonder with the other disciples, “Is it me too?”
And the answer is, unfortunately, “Yes, it is me too.”
We didn’t hand Jesus over to be crucified for thirty pieces of silver, but we have betrayed him in other ways. Whenever we used his name in vain, as if he were a curse word rather than our Lord. Whenever we abused the poor who stand in his place. Whenever we were uncharitable in thought, word, or deed. Whenever we failed to worship God. Whenever we put ourselves first. Whenever we didn’t sacrifice in love. Whenever we heard the call of Jesus and refused to follow it. Whenever we acted out of prejudice toward another because of race or color, rather than seeing that person as a brother or sister of ours. Whenever we failed to welcome the stranger among us. Whenever we did any of these things, and in so many other ways, we have betrayed Jesus and his teaching. Yes, there are many ways that we have failed Jesus, or in essence, abandoned him. Eventually the guilt that Judas felt was such a great weight on him that he hung himself to be free from it.
Yet, the Good News is that we don’t need to kill ourselves in order to be released from our guilt. The next three days will give us the antidote to our human condition. On Holy Thursday, we can allow Jesus to feed us with his Body and Blood. It can become the meal of our reconciliation. On Good Friday, we can allow Jesus to nail our sins to the cross with Him. He will wash away the residue of our sins with his blood. And then, on the Third Day, on Easter, we are able to recommit ourselves to live for Jesus, who is risen from the dead. When we offer him our faith – which can only be given if we believe that he is alive -- he will give us a life in return that is abundant and eternal and filled with hope and joy.
Here’s a question: What will you do to make these last few days of Holy Week truly different and set apart?