Greetings on this the Tuesday of Holy Week
Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17; John 13:21-33, 36-38
Summary
During Holy Week, in the gospel of John, we have entered the Book of Glory.
“The Book of Glory”: 13:1—20:31 (Last Supper: Washing the Disciples’ Feet, Foretelling Judas’ Betrayal & Peter’s Denial, Farewell Discourses; Jesus’ Great Prayer; Passion Narrative: Arrest, Hearings & Trials, Crucifixion, Death & Burial; Resurrection Appearances, esp. to Mary Magdalene and Thomas) x-ref https://catholic-resources.org/John/Outlines-Gospel.htm
In our gospel portion today and tomorrow the Betrayal by Judas is given in two parts (two gospel accounts, John and Matthew). In the gospel of John, the Washing of the Disciples’ Feet precedes the handing of the morsel and just after the giving of The New Commandment. In the gospel of Matthew, the scene begins with The Betrayal by Judas with the authorities and immediately followed by The Lord’s Supper.
Both the prediction of the denial of Jesus by Peter and the betrayal by Judas are given today. For Judas a determination of will and for Peter the weakness of the heart.
The Dividing Line
The Book of Signs is completed and now the great dividing line. Either we accept Jesus or we reject him. The last disagreements between the disciples has finished. Judas has left. What are left are believers. Weak hearted believers but believers. Some scattered, Peter denied, a few at a distance, and another wanted to use the sword to defend.
How then Glory?
- Jesus, the humble and suffering Servant – And I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (Isa 49:6).
- Jesus, Allowing the betrayal – When [Judas] had left, Jesus said, “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. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the [authorities], ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.” (Jn 13:31-33)
- Jesus, Allowing the denial – Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.” (Jn 13: 36-38).
Just beyond the reading scope today, the New Commandment (Jesus, the Lord who commands). In our scope today the Glory begins with the permissive and humble heart of God. Jesus was deeply troubled and testified (Jn 13:21), but he kept his heart firmly for our redemption.
Reflection
So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night (Jn 13:30). Do we acknowledge the Signs of Jesus? Or do we take a simple morsel of betrayal and conduct our lives as before with money and greed and advantage? There are inflection points in our lives. We decide A or B, good or bad, help or harm.
Even in the darkness of today’s gospel portion, we can proclaim: Thus says the LORD: In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you (Isa 49:8). And again, Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2b).
Personal Reflection
It hits hard today’s gospel portion. Jesus shares everything and even washed my feet. It is a reflexive action to wonder how I might or might not reflect this love back to him and to the children he loves, that is, all of us.
But even now, even in the darkest movements. But the sun is not yet high in the sky. There is time, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041525.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry