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Tuesday of Holy Week
Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33; 36-38
"I tell you solemnly; one of you will betray me!" (John 13:21)
Throughout Jesus' ministry He always spoke of love without limits, forgiveness instead of revenge, and service over domination. In our gospel, Jesus struggles with His own commitment to live those words that He has spoken so often and so fervently. We see that Jesus is "deeply troubled," His depression arising from the betrayal of Judas and the lying of Peter. Now Jesus must forgive the betrayal and deceit that has torn and ripped apart the fabric of love between Him and His friends. Jesus realizes that He must stand alone to face his sufferings and death. It will not be His disciples or His friends that see Him through, but only His trust in God. Jesus believes God will not fail Him.
The words of Isaiah give Jesus hope that there is an anchor in this sea of deceit: "The Lord called me from birth, from my mother's womb he gave me my name. God is now my strength." (Isaiah 49:1, 5).
We also are not free from the disciples' flaws. How often have we been like Judas, rejecting the call to love and entering the darkness, or like Peter, lying to protect our own skins? We ask forgiveness and renew our fidelity to the Lord Who walks alone.
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Prayer for Tuesday of Holy Week
Father, may we receive your forgiveness and mercy as we celebrate the passion and death of the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Today's meditation comes to us from: http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/holyweek.htm