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April 15, 2014

It is a mystery that Christ chose Judas as one of his disciples even if he knew that Judas was to betray him. Knowing the plan of salvation that his Father had for all mankind which had to pass through the cross, Jesus accepted Judas to be among the Twelve.

As the disciples asked Jesus in the other accounts of this gospel, “Is it I, Lord?” when he foretold the betrayal, we also need to ask Jesus, “Is it I, Lord?” for we can betray Christ like Judas or deny him like Peter. Every time we are used as the devil’s tool to carry out his works, such as greed, promiscuity, slander – an endless list – we betray Christ. The devil easily deceives us with his empty promises but Christ has already overcome him so we can call on him to defend us. When we do betray or deny Christ, let us be like Peter who had a deep sorrow for his sins and be assured of Christ’s endless mercy.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Wednesday, April 16, 2014 >>

Holy Week

Isaiah 50:4-9
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Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34

Matthew 26:14-25
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COME TO JESUS

"Judas Iscariot went off to the chief priests." —Matthew 26:14

Judas was accustomed to being an intimate friend of Jesus and having privileged access to Him. Nonetheless, during the most important week in the lives of both Judas and Jesus, Judas dialogued with the chief priests instead of with Jesus. Judas deferred to the chief priests as a higher "authority" than Jesus, handing his loyalty over to the chief priests instead of to Jesus, the Lord of the universe.

Adam and Eve were accustomed to being intimate friends of God in the garden of Eden. They had privileged access to the Lord. Nonetheless, Adam and Eve dialogued in the garden with the serpent (Satan) instead of with God. They deferred to Satan's "authority" over the tree of life rather than God's.

In this holiest of weeks, learn from the mistakes of Adam, Eve, Judas, and a great many people over the centuries. When it comes to the Passion of Christ, you are either with Jesus or against Jesus (Lk 11:23). Give the Lord absolute loyalty over your heart and tongue. Give Jesus your sympathy (Ps 69:21). Dialogue with God and not the forces opposed to Him. Jesus tells each one of us: "Come to Me" (Mt 11:28).

Prayer: Father, be the Lord of my heart and my loyalties. "Keep me faithful to Your teaching and never let me be parted from You."

Promise: "The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced." —Is 50:7

Praise: Praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your constant, never-failing love for me and for all people. I worship You with my life.