Deeply Troubled

Greetings on this the Tuesday of Holy Week
Readings: Is 49:1-6; PS 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17; 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.”

On Palm Sunday we read, “For the Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born (Mk 14:21).

Jesus is making a reference to the book of Ecclesiastes directly and by inferrence in conclusion.

Again I saw all the oppressions that take place under the sun: the tears of the victims with none to comfort them! From the hand of their oppressors comes violence, and there is none to comfort them! And those now dead, I declared more fortunate in death than are the living to be still alive. And better off than both is the yet unborn, who has not seen the wicked work that is done under the sun (Ecc 4:1-3).

QOHELETH’S CONCLUSIONS
Whatever is, was long ago given its name, and human nature is known; mortals cannot contend in judgment with One who is stronger (Ecc 4:10).

Judas Victim and Victimizer

Jesus came to save. Jesus knows the deepest thoughts, pains and mistakes – intentional and unintentional.

Jesus came to save Judas too. I cannot imagine the difficulty in loving Judas and giving permission for him to betray at the same time. But Jesus knows our plight in its entirety.

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.

We have no defense but the defense of the one whom we cannot contend in judgment. He has decided you are worthy of his love and you are worthy of salvation.

The passion is soon. Come and settle accounts with a loving God. We fail, yes, but his love never fails. He knows. Jesus knows.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry