We
do not truly know what motivated Judas. Was it his desire for money? Was it
that he truly thought he would scare Jesus into changing his approach to life?
Was it that he saw Jesus as a threat?
Was it that he was angry with Jesus? Had he been caught stealing money?
Was he upset that Jesus challenged him at Lazarus’ house? We just don’t know
the motive.
What
we do know is the Judas sold Jesus out to the religious leadership. What we do
know is that Judas could not admit to Jesus what he was about to do. He could
not tell the truth and that until the end he continued to see himself as Jesus’
friend.
The
Prophet Isaiah today once again reminds himself of who his friend truly is,
God. That no matter what happens God is there to protect Isaiah in his ministry
as prophet. It is not easy but Isaiah is faithful to his ministry and God is
faithful to Isaiah, helping him through the struggle.
We
encounter Isaiah’s words and in them we see Jesus. We listen to Isaiah’s words
and hear Jesus speaking. Jesus is the servant who suffers, the servant who trusts
in God, the servant who is abandoned by everyone except by God.
The
questions for today – Are we with God or against God? Can we remain friends of
Jesus or will the trappings of the world cause us to betray him? Can we trust
in God even in the midst of our own struggles? It is often said that every
person has her or his price, what is our price?
Daily Holy Week Prayer: At the name of Jesus every knee must bend in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! Loving God, help us to always be faithful and may the gods of the world not temp us into betraying our friendship with you. Grace us with the strength to always trust in your presence especially when we struggle. Help us to keep hope alive through your word and sacrament! Amen!
Runner’s
Thought: If,
in running we desire is to connect with God, to pray, then that is what we are
doing. Keeping that desire at the forefront of our thoughts and remaining
conscious of our intent is very important. Remember seek God and you will find
God in every good thing!
Greetings to everyone on this Spy Wednesday! I hope you are having a good day. I would like to send a shout out to my friend Newell in the Denver area. I learn today that he just got home from another stay in the hospital. I am hoping they found the problem and that he is home for a while. Hang in there Big Fella!
This
morning’s closing session of mission went well and I look forward to the formal
closing tonight. It has been a good beginning to the week here at St. Gabriel’s
however once I finish here tonight my week is only half over as I move on the
St. Barnabas Parish tomorrow. I will be preaching the Triduum there Holy
Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. I have two masses
tomorrow one in the morning for the school and at 7:30 pm The Mass of the Lord’s
Supper, then two Good Friday Services, the Easter Vigil and an Easter Sunday
Morning Mass. So if you are in the area come and celebrate with us.
Hopefully
your day has been filled with many blessings and that you will have some time
to enter into the holiness of these next few days. If not, if you are busy,
please know that as I journey through them you will be held in my prayers.
Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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