Word to the Wise
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 - Holy Week - Tues
[Isa 49:1-6 and John 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." [John]
The immediate context of Jesus' remark is the betrayal to be carried out by Judas Iscariot. We are told that when Judas accepts a dipped morsel from Jesus, "Satan entered him." The evangelist notes that this action was so unobtrusive that the other disciples took little note that Judas left because they thought Jesus sent him on an errand connected with the Passover celebration. Jesus did indeed send Judas on an errand, but not the one they were thinking. But the scene does not end there. There is another betrayal to be predicted.
When Jesus tells the disciples that he is going away, meaning his return to the Father, Peter misunderstands and declares his intention to follow Jesus wherever Jesus goes. Jesus replies that Peter will indeed follow him (in martyrdom) but not at the moment. When Peter protests, Jesus replies, "Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times."
All of this should serve as a reminder to us about pointing the finger at Judas! Or even at Peter! Can we dare to reply to Jesus' declaration that one of his closest disciples would betray him, "Surely, it is not I, Lord?" [Matt. 26:22}. Jesus' reply could be "You have said so." [Matt. 26:25].
As we follow Jesus on his Jerusalem journey this week, we do so conscious of our faith and our human weakness in following him. Will we run away to that Upper Room and lock the door? Betrayal has many forms! AMEN