Tuesday of Holy Week

JN 13:21-33, 36-38

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified,”Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant.One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side.So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him,”Master, who is it?”Jesus answered,”It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.”So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot.After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him.So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him.Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him,”Buy what we need for the feast,”or to give something to the poor.So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
When he had left, Jesus said,”Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once.My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.You will look for me, and as I told the Jews,’Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?”Jesus answered him,”Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.”Peter said to him,”Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me?Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

Reflection

Has anyone every betrayed you? Not like the Judas Iscariot type of betrayal, perhaps, but a betrayal nonetheless? Perhaps a close associate at work found out about a promotion opportunity before you, one that you would have loved and that was perfect for you. And rather than tell you and encourage you, this co-worker friend actually badmouthed you and built themselves up at your expense.

Whatever way it might come, betrayal deeply hurts because it is done by someone who is close to you. When trusted people – a best friend, a business partner, a confidant, a parent, an adult child, a life partner – do or say things you would never expect from such close, trusted, even deeply loved people, the pain cuts very deep indeed.

In today’s Gospel Jesus predicts both betrayal and denial from two in his inner most circle of disciples. How sad it must have been for him. How hurtful. We would not think of doing anything like that. And yet….
Whenever we fail to live out the inclusive love of Jesus, are we not betraying him? Whenever we allow anger, prejudice, evil forces, etc., to workin our lives, do we not deny him?

Activity

During this week we call “holy,” reflect on any ways you betray Jesus. And exam how you deny Jesus. In all things, repent of your sins and follow Jesus anew. And then go on through the rest of the week celebrating the loving sacrifice of Jesus.

Rev. Fr. Vincent McTighe

Pastor Emeritus of Sacred Heart American National Catholic Church