Judas

Readings

Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 49:1-6
John 13:21-38


Reflection

Sometimes people who live close together can be sources of great sorrow for one another. When Jesus chose His twelve apostles, Judas was one of them. Judas is called the betrayer. According to the literal meaning of the Greek word, a betrayer is someone who hands another over to suffering.
Perhaps there is something of a betrayer in us?
Maybe each of us has handed over someone to suffering somehow, somewhere, mostly without intending or even knowing it. When we are willing to confess that we had handed those we love over to suffering, even against our best intentions, we will be more ready to forgive those who, mostly against their intentions, are the causes of our pain.

How often have we been like Judas, rejecting the call to love and entering the darkness, or like Peter, lying to protect our own skins.
Let us be willing to ask forgiveness and renew our faithfulness to the Lord who walked alone, deserted by His closest friends.