Wednesday of Holy Week (March 28, 2018): Betrayed by a friend - Part II

Thứ Ba, 27-03-2018 | 14:45:35

Today’s Readings:

Isaiah 50:4-9
Ps 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34
Matthew 26:14-25
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032818.cfm

USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/18_03_28.mp3

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
went to the chief priests and said,
“What are you willing to give me
if I hand him over to you?”
They paid him thirty pieces of silver,
and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,
the disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Where do you want us to prepare
for you to eat the Passover?”
He said,
“Go into the city to a certain man and tell him,
‘The teacher says, AMy appointed time draws near;
in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”‘”
The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered,
and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening,
he reclined at table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said,
“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
Deeply distressed at this,
they began to say to him one after another,
“Surely it is not I, Lord?”
He said in reply,
“He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me
is the one who will betray me.
The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him,
but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.
It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply,
“Surely it is not I, Rabbi?”
He answered, “You have said so.”

Good News Reflection: Betrayed by a friend – Part 2

The most painful betrayals come from those who should be doing good to us. It hurts most when it comes from a friend who, like Judas in today’s Gospel reading, assures us that they would never hurt us.

The fact is, everyone sooner or later betrays us in one way or another. Anytime our loved ones disappoint us, renege on promises, or refuse to understand the precious truths that we share from our hearts, they betray us.

We can find wisdom and strength for endurance from today’s first reading. Although it’s a prophecy about the sufferings of Jesus, we can apply it to our own lives and thus unify ourselves with his cross and with his resurrection.

“The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue … to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” You have grown in compassion as a result of suffering, and what you have learned you can now pass onto others who experience similar trials.

“Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; I have not rebelled”. Jesus faced his betrayal with determination and single-minded trust in the Father. You, also, have the same Father God helping you move forward into healing and redemption.

“My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.” How often have you turned the other cheek in imitation of Jesus? God knows how many times you have refused to retaliate against evil with evil, and he appreciates your efforts.

“I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.” By forgiving those who hurt you and by refusing to compromise your moral stand, although others try to shame you, the Father holds you close to his heart.

“He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together.” When people oppose you and cause you to suffer, they’re also opposing and attacking Jesus. He is at your side, supporting you, healing you, comforting you, and taking the worst of the blows.

Psalm 69 is another prophecy about Jesus that we can use in the same way. Read it as a description of your own life.

When we desire and expect people to strengthen us, encourage us, sympathize with us or heal us during our difficulties and pain, we always end up disappointed. Even the most caring friends cannot give us enough of everything that we need. Only God can. Only he can turn our mourning into dancing and joy.

By offering our sufferings to God’s plan of redemption, and by turning to him for comfort, we experience the same great love that the Father gave to his Beloved Son. That love is what makes it all do-able. That love is what helps us endure. That love is what heals us and resurrects us to a renewed, victorious life.

Journey through Holy Week with our inspirational resources:
wordbytes.gnm.org/Lent/

Today’s Prayer:

Forgive me, Lord, for those times when I exchanged You for people or things that took me away from You. Amen.

Tags: Good News Reflection, Holy Gospel according to Matthew, Holy Week