TO BETRAY JESUS OR TO CONSOLE HIM? - 04/05/23 (Wednesday of Holy Week)

Matthew 26:14–16

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040523.cfm

Blessed Holy Wednesday! This day is also known as "Spy Wednesday." During this day, Judas accepted 30 pieces of silver in exchange for giving information leading to the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ. The day of the passion and death of Jesus was drawing near. As such, our Lord was looking for someone to console Him and to bring joy to His Sacred Heart amidst the sufferings that He would face for our salvation. However, He did not find it from His disciples who would flee when Jesus was arrested. Not just that, but one of His disciples, Judas, betrayed Him. The 30 pieces of silver referred to the amount of money given to slaves. As such, this also symbolizes that we betray our Lord when we become slaves to sins knowing that our grave sins offend the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When we become slaves to sins, our minds will become clouded in such a way that it's easier to disobey God in exchange for worldly things. For example, some people may think that it's better to just enjoy during the Holy Week and go on vacation instead of spending the week in prayer and reflection in accordance with the practices in the Catholic Church. In our life, we only have two choices to make, and that is either to betray Jesus or to console Him. It's either to offend God or to love Him.

And yet, we can see in the life of Judas and in the gospel reading how we can console Jesus Christ. When Jesus and the disciples were preparing for the Last Supper, our Lord implied that someone would betray Him. Judas Iscariot asked Him, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Judas became a bit attentive to his conscience because he knew, deep within himself, that he would betray Jesus. God speaks to our hearts. We simply need to detach ourselves from the distractions around us and be attentive to our conscience, to the voice of Christ within us. The Holy Week is the proper time for us to reflect on our shortcomings and offenses with the hope in the mercy of God. Though Judas ended up despairing, we can end up being saved by God's grace if we trust in Him. Our souls are worth more than the price of the slavery to sin. It's because we are made to be united with Jesus Christ. When we experience sufferings, we desire to find someone to console us and bring joy in us. The same is true for Jesus Christ because if we console Him, this is the sign that we have accepted His mercy and gift of salvation. And, how can we do it? Let's listen to our conscience, repent of our sins, and be obedient to Christ. And, if we committed grave sins, Jesus will still accept us, purify us and forgive us in the sacrament of confession. May we remember that through the Cross which Jesus accepted, we are freed from the power of the devil, and we have the hope of sharing in the glory of His resurrection. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth