April 16, 2014 Wednesday of Holy Week

Lectio

Matthew 26:14–25

Meditatio

“My appointed time draws near.”

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus shows us that fidelity to one’s vocation is lived one minute at a time. Jesus’ fidelity is a lived out in a continuous stream of “now” moments: announcing the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, forgiving the sinful, all leading up to the appointed hour.

The Passover is beginning. Pilgrims are streaming into Jerusalem, including Jesus and his closest disciples. Jesus knows what is coming. “My appointed time draws near.” Already in chapter 26 of Matthew he has foretold his crucifixion during the Passover (v. 2). He has declared the anointing at Bethany a preparation for his burial (v. 12). He knows, too, that one of his own disciples will betray him—an inside job.

In the face of betrayal, torture, and death, what does Jesus do? He goes on with his vocation of revealing the faithful love of God for his people. At this precise moment it means preparing and celebrating the Passover meal.

Betrayal is devastating. It is hard to say what is worse, to be caught off guard or to see it coming. Either way the sin of betrayal kicks us in the gut when we experience it. The example of Jesus is all the more astounding because, while he acknowledges Judas’ betrayal as it is happening, he does not change his plans to avoid the situation. Neither does he lash out at Judas or retaliate in any way. Jesus, the absolute expression of God’s love, is not sidetracked. Instead, he continues to freely give of himself.

Today we stand on the brink of the Sacred Triduum, and the Church gives us the calm deliberate choices of Jesus to continue his mission. He knows this will lead to Calvary. We also ponder the calculated moves of Judas, which will lead to his duplicitous kiss.

Fidelity (or its opposite) is lived out moment by moment, choice by choice. What is God calling me to in this “hour” of my salvation?

Oratio

My God, I want to be with you completely in these days when we remember your passion and death. When I think of your fidelity to your vocation, your total self-giving in the face of the betrayal and the cowardice of your disciples, I am overwhelmed. Time is a precious gift; help me to spend it wisely as you did in your public ministry. Strengthen me so that in my moments of crisis I may choose faithful love no matter the cost.

Contemplatio

Faithful love is lived out moment by moment.

The events of the Paschal Mystery,

the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus,

together comprise the pivotal point of time.

Everything that came before

and all that follows after

are defined by this, are transformed.

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Daughters of Saint Paul. (2008). Lenten Grace: Daily Gospel Reflections (pp. 114–117). Boston, MA: Pauline Books & Media.

Tuesday of Holy Week

Lectio
   John 13:21–33, 36–38

Meditatio

“Jesus was deeply troubled.”

   Jesus, when I ponder this Gospel I feel sad at seeing you troubled. You had said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Now you are troubled. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a “time for everything,” including “a time to weep” (Eccl 3:1–4). Now it’s your time to be overwhelmed with sadness. Even in our emotions you chose to be like us in all things but sin (cf. Heb 4:15). At times I feel storms of sadness and troubled emotions. You did not shield yourself from the stabbing pain of a friend’s betrayal. You wept over Lazarus and over Jerusalem. Your heart was moved with pity at seeing the widow of Nain. You knew the joy of friendship at Matthew’s house and the comfort of the hospitality of Martha and Mary.
   Now, Lord, you are plunged into a troubling sadness. You speak of betrayal and everyone acts surprised, even your betrayer. You tell Judas, “Do it quickly.” Your sadness at Judas reminds me of what the martyr Saint Thomas More expressed in the play A Man for All Seasons. When Sir Richard Rich perjures himself as he falsely accuses More, the saint tells him that he is more troubled by Rich’s perjury than by his own prospect of execution. What troubles you, my Lord, in this Gospel scene? The thought of impending betrayals and abandonment is breaking your heart. You know Judas’ treachery. You look at the other disciples who seem so innocent and unaware of what will soon take place. You cannot force your love on the betrayer, but you try to save him. You wash his feet, you offer him the morsel dipped in the dish. Judas eats it and leaves. “And it was night.” Judas walks out of your presence. He turns his back on the Light. He is swallowed by the night, by Satan, the prince of darkness.

Oratio
   Lord, Saint John details for us the love you offered to each disciple—even the one who would betray you. I ask you to be my motivation and my driving force, even when I feel drawn to abandon the cross of daily fidelity. May I care for those around me and desire their eternal salvation above all. May my love for others mirror yours—so I care for both their spiritual and their physical well-being. I trust that in your goodness you will grant me these graces. Amen.

Contemplatio
   “My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.”
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LENTEN GRACE: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)