TODAYS REFLECTION HOLY WEEK WED MAR 23

TODAYS REFLECTION HOLY WEEK WED MAR 23 ( Is 50: 4-9,  Mt 26: 14 -25 )

Beloved in todays gospel Jesus does things to instruct His disciples, and also us. He's trying to teach them, and Judas, how we should respond in the presence of our enemies, and that the appropriate response is mercy. The apostles were deeply distressed that Jesus' betrayer was seated in their midst at the Last Supper. However, Jesus was not distressed, although hours later in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus "began to experience sorrow and distress" (Mt 26:37). In the presence of His betrayer, Jesus was calmly in control of the situation, what an encouragement to us.

Jesus, by announcing that His betrayer is at hand, forces Judas to realize that He is still divine, still all-knowing, and still reaching out to Him in mercy. Yet He knows that Judas will refuse His final offer to repent but still reaches out to him with an offer of friendship in the morsel. Truly we can be calm "in the sight of (our) foes" (Ps 23:5) if we are united with the Father, Who makes all things work together for the good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28).

Friends we need to examine ourselves in the light of God's truth and grace and ask him to strengthen us in faith, hope, and love that we may not fail him or forsake him when we are tempted. Sometimes, God’s blessings come to us in mysterious ways; through pain and trouble but may we have hope and trust in him who is ever-present help in trouble. May the blessings of God abide in us as we put our trust and hope in him. Lets be united in prayers.