Wednesday of Holy Week

April 8, 2020

Wednesday of Holy Week

April 8, 2020

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Assistant Director of Retreat Ministry

 

Book of the Prophet Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 69

Matthew 26:14-25

 

In our first reading the “well trained tongue” of the Prophet Isaiah is describing Jesus as the “Suffering Servant.”  He is describing Jesus doing everything to accomplish His ministry on earth, even in the face of public humiliation, rejection and even a horrible death.

However, Jesus, in Matthew’s Gospel, is described differently.  Knowing that He is about to suffer and die He still gathers His friends around Him.  He speaks to them with love and forgiveness.

We all know what happened to Peter and Judas.  Peter became the first Pope and preached the Good News for over thirty years before suffering his own martyrdom.

Judas, on the other hand, was quite possibly the first person who experiences “Catholic guilt.”  Let’s imagine that Judas was not so different from all of us.  He was the treasurer of Jesus’ disciples and therefore knew what money was for.  Perhaps he had debts or needed funds to support his family.  Thirty pieces of silver was a handsome amount of money.  Basically, he made a deal without thinking about the consequences.  

Therefore, Judas, tormented and guild ridden by his betrayal hung himself.  He was sure that what he did could never be forgiven.  He was sure that he would never be touched by Jesus’ love again.

Friends, the Lord Jesus turns no one away.  He is no stranger to brokenness and is not surprised by failure.  When we seek His forgiveness for our sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation they are indeed forgiven – forever!

Question of the Day:  “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”  (Matthew 28-30)

Prayer:  “Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our errors.”  (Verse before the Gospel – April 8, 2020)

Please continue to pray for the victims of the Coronavirus and for all who are affected by this unprecedented pandemic.

Prosit