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TODAY’S WORD…

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One of the Twelve,

the man called Judas Iscariot,

went to the chief priests and said,

‘What are you prepared to give me

if I hand Him over to you?’

They paid him thirty silver pieces,

and from that moment

he looked for an opportunity to betray Him.

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– Matthew 26:14-16 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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Do we identify ourselves with Judas Iscariot at all?

With Peter yes, many of us will admit,

but not with Judas – “God forbid!”

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Peter’s denial – three times before the cock crowed –

may appear (to us) to have been a milder form of betrayal,

and so we tend to feel less uneasy admitting that we may sometimes act like Peter did.

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Peter didn’t go and hang himself in the end like Judas.

In fact, he was filled with deep and sincere contrition, and he wept bitterly.

Afterwards, Peter also endeavoured to compensate for his fault

by increased fidelity and unshaken attachment to the Lord.

Are we really like St. Peter in this respect?

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But back to Judas.

He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver,

and sealed his infidelity with that infamous kiss.

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Have I ever done anything worse

than being afraid to publically admit that I am a follower of Jesus?

Have I ever betrayed Jesus in a big way

through my actions, words and thoughts

or even through my inaction?

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Have I never taken advantage of certain situations,

to satisfy my own selfish worldly desires,

betraying the Lord in the process?

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Have I never broken any of God’s ten Commandments?

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Most importantly, have I truly repented before God?

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Peter and Judas both sinned

but only one of them repented and put his faith in Christ

…and only one found hope and peace and love.

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Am I truly like St. Peter?

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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I love You, Lord, You know I love You.

Forgive me, my Lord.

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