The Lord knows the intentions of our hearts

 

Tuesday of Holy Week 

Isaiah 49:1-6

Psalm 70(71):1-6,15,17

John 13:21-33,​36-38

The Gospel for today is drawn from the scene at the Last Supper (John 13:21-38), in which Jesus reveals to the disciples that one of them will betray Him. Judas is identified as the betrayer when Jesus shares a piece of bread dipped in wine with him. Simon Peter, feeling anxious, inquired, "Lord, who is it?" effectively asking, “Is it I?" or "Am I the one destined to betray my Lord?" It is noteworthy that none of the disciples distinguished themselves during this moment or in the subsequent days. They did not stand out as exemplary figures of faith or courage. Instead, they appeared frightened, uncertain about their safety, and unclear about what the future would hold.  

Perhaps we are like them, living in some sort of state of denial, thinking that we are doing the right thing and that everything will turn out all right, but we are actually going in the opposite direction. We might ask why Judas would betray Jesus, even when he had revealed his evil intentions. We might also ask ourselves why we do the things we do. Why do we regret some moments as if we want to turn back the hands of time? We all have mistakes, we all have regrets. There is little Judas Iscariot in us whenever we sin, we refuse God. But that is not all. Jesus knew the hearts of all the disciples; he knew they would flee when the time came, and yet he still welcomed them to the table in the upper room. Christ is the offering and the offerer who welcomes us daily in the Holy sacrifice of the Mass. As we walk through the Holy Week may we continue to love and trust Jesus always. May he give us the grace to follow him more closely and may we never oppose or stand against our own salvation. Amen.