WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

Today, Matthew recounts the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. The evangelist tells us that the chief priests “paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.” A common Christian response to this passage is to be full of frustration. We ask ourselves why one of the twelve was willing to lose his rabbi and savior — the One who modeled perfect and sacrificial love. But, rather than being consumed by anger over Judas’ actions, seek deeper understanding and reflect on the times in your own life where you have modeled the behavior of the Iscariot and not the Nazarene. Think of the instances where you have fallen short, avoided love, and chosen greed and self.

Turn now to the words of Isaiah. Consider his prophecy as invitation to use your welltrained tongue and to open your ears so that you can serve as an instrument of God’s love and peace. Know that your face may be exposed to buffets and spitting, but that the Lord is in fact your help. Seek joy and humility, acknowledging that despite our attempts to reject the Lord, the Resurrection, which occurred for our sake, is soon to follow. Give all praise, glory, honor and thanks to Christ.