So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
John 13:30
Tuesday of Holy Week – John 13:30
So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
Additional Reading(s) today: Is 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38
Today’s Lenten Reflection
Jesus knows the darkness that is living and growing in Judas’s heart. He also knows what is about to play out. But even with this knowledge, Jesus doesn’t throw Judas out of the Last Supper gathering. He doesn’t even try to talk him out of what he is about to do. Instead Jesus calmly says, “What you are going to do, do quickly,” handing Judas a piece of bread as he [Judas] gets up from the table. We are told in Sacred Scripture that Satan entered Judas at that moment … and that it was dark outside. We feel the world grow a bit smaller and a bit scarier at once. If this chosen one of the Twelve, Judas, could get so lost, tempted to stray so far from the Light, our Lord, what chance is there for us? The truth is, if we are not careful, there is always a chance. But here is the thing: There would have been a second chance for Judas had he understood and accepted the great teachings of love and mercy from Jesus … instead of being busy plotting political schemes. The truth is, we never run out of chances with our Savior. Never! Jesus knows what is in our hearts. When we desire Him and turn away from our wicked ways and all that offends Him, He will always welcome us back. We do not have to choose despair as Judas did. We never have to stand in the shadows of condemnation, regretting past mistakes and choices. With our beloved Lord, there is always forgiveness, love, mercy, grace and redemption. Imagine the joy Jesus would have felt if Judas would have returned back to Him with a repentant heart! Imagine the joy Jesus would feel if, today, we would do the same. He is standing at the door with open arms for you. Run to Him.
Lenten Meditation
Think of a time you felt ashamed over something you did, a choice you made. How did you feel? Alone? Guilty? Hopeless? At some point in our lives, all of us have been there. Probably more than a few times. It is not easy to admit our faults and failures, but it is a necessary part of healing. It is not easy to ask forgiveness, but it is critical for our growth. “Sometimes we think our bad conscience and thoughts are being generated by God, when in fact it is the work of the devil. Here is the way to tell: If your regret results in greater humility and increases your desire to serve God, receive it with gratitude as a gift from Heaven,” writes Lawrence Scupoli in The Spiritual Combat. “If it creates anxiety, makes you sad, depressed, fearful, and slow to do your [godly] duty, however, you can be sure it has been suggested by the enemy. Disregard it [immediately].” It is easy to see where Judas fell in this equation. Where do you fall?
Lenten Prayer
God of Light and love, so often when we sin, we hide ourselves, embarrassed for You to see our failures. But You already know our hearts and draw us close to You anyway. Thank You for Your unfathomable and underserved mercy. May we always be willing to accept the free gift of Your grace. Eternal all-loving Father, as we move deeper into Holy Week, grant us the grace to always remain in that one place where all our hope lies: at the foot of the Cross. Amen.
Today’s suggested penance
*Pray fervently today for the conversion of all who have turned against God.
“I [Jesus] will not leave you nor forsake you” -Joshua 1:5.
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