Eldho Augustine cscc –
Readings: Is 50: 4-9a; Mt 26: 14-25
The word ‘betrayal’ is central in the Passion Narrative. It is used five times here. As Jesus ate the Passover meal with his twelve apostles, he put them under trial and suspicion (one of you will betray me) to teach them to examine themselves rightly.
We also must examine ourselves in the light of God’s truth and grace and ask him to strengthen us in faith, hope, and love that we may not betray him or forsake him when we are tempted. Do we pray with confidence in the words Jesus gave us to pray: Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil?
Have there been times in our lives when we also have betrayed Jesus? Jesus will forgive us. Jesus never stops loving us, no matter what we do! Jesus continues to invite us to come to him!
Today let us accept his invitation.
We might have experienced being betrayed- perhaps we were let down by a friend, or a partner, or by someone who is dear to us at various times in our lives and in differing degrees. How did we react? Did we retaliate, walk away or do my best to forgive?
Of course, some betrayals are small and thus, they may be a bit easier to forgive. Other betrayals are life-changing. It may be that our lives take a completely different path after the betrayal. It is also likely that this experience may make it very difficult for us to trust any other person in our personal lives.