By Allison Gingras

“And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?  ” ~ Matthew 26:21-22

Through the mysterious and mystical workings of His grace, God can bring the ultimate good and blessing out of the most heinous acts of evil. Judas’s betrayal was woven into God’s plan for salvation through grace. The redemption of our souls was brought forth from the most unthinkable betrayal and inconceivable plan to kill God.

Do we portray and betray our Lord? You think, “No, of course not, not like Judas, anyway.” But here on Spy Wednesday, I think we could all think of at least one way today, maybe even in the last few minutes, we betrayed God’s love, mercy, and goodness when we turned away from trusting Him and sought to do our own will when we thought of our good over obedience to God.

What do we give more importance and value to in our lives than being in right relationship with God? For what material or physical pleasure are we willing to sell our Lord? Our ambition over the truth and will of God? Trusting not in the Lord of all, but our flesh and bone, which is weak and easily deceived? We buy into the lies that we tell ourselves or that others feed us, so easily distracted or turned away from the truth, especially when it’s not what we want for ourselves, losing hope and trust in God’s perfect plan.

“And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” There was one who knew he was the one, yet he also asked, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” In Luke’s account of the Last Supper, Jesus reveals who is behind the evil betrayal. “Then Satan entered into Judas…” Yikes!

And yes, some days, it is surely I who betrays the love, mercy, and goodness of the Lord! I have to admit that sometimes I am the devil’s greatest ally, as I allow my selfishness and self-absorbness to play right into his evil hands. On certain days, it probably doesn’t take much to push me into gossip, judgment, or even a self-pity party, feeling abandoned by the God who promises us never to abandon nor forsake us.

During the next few nights, as we participate in the Triidum, we will journey with Jesus through His passion and death. Throughout each Liturgy, we should never forget our sins also nailed Jesus to the Cross. Every time we choose our will over God’s, our way and desire over His perfect will — we betray Him. Surely it is I.

The sooner we admit that we are the sinners in need of a Savior, the better the world will be for it.  Just as Adam’s sin had an eternal ripple effect that led to death, Judas’ sin set into motion a series of events that will end with redemption—opening heaven for you, me, and everyone we love.  Look upon the Cross throughout this week, remembering the many ways we contributed to Jesus’ crucifixion. Let us strive to be less like Judas and more like Jesus.

Prayer:

Jesus, even from the depths of Judas’s betrayal, You wove a tapestry of redemption, a testament to Your boundless grace that transforms the most heinous evil into ultimate good. Help us, Lord, to recognize our own daily betrayals, those moments we choose our will over Yours, and grant us the humility to seek Your forgiveness and strive to emulate Your unwavering love, rather than the path of Judas.

Call to Action:

Make every effort to attend all the Holy Week Liturgies and avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter Sunday.

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