In the Gospel reading for this Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus Christ was deeply troubled and expressed that one of His apostles would betray Him. He said, “I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The apostles were at a loss as to who the betrayer would be. Master, who is it? John asked. Of course, none of them knew it was going to be Judas. But Jesus knew his betrayer. Thus, He said, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.”
Betrayal is an act of disloyalty that violates trust in a relationship. It is painful, especially when one’s close or trusted friends do it, as reflected in the words of the psalmist; “Even my trusted friend, who ate my bread, has raised his heel against me” (Psalm 41:10). Such was the case of Judas Iscariot in his betrayal of Jesus Christ. He was a trusted friend, an apostle who supposedly should love his master and be faithful to the will of his master.
Holy Week is the time to reflect and contemplate our relationship with Jesus Christ, who loves us, offers His life, and accepts death on the cross for our salvation. It is the time to reflect on the many times we have denied or betrayed Jesus. Betrayal can come through our lack of love for Jesus, living a sinful life, and our unwillingness to embrace and carry our cross and follow Him. It can show in our unwillingness to obey God’s will and not standing up for our faith. Holy Week is the time to come to our senses and ask for forgiveness for betraying and denying our Lord and Savior. It is time to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Commune With Pure Heart and Love, Not with Hatred
The Institution of the Holy Eucharist happened at the Passover Meal or the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and His apostles. During this meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His apostles as His body. He also took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to His apostles as the blood of the new covenant.
The body and blood of Jesus Christ are a meal of love and unity. Whoever would commune in the body and blood of Jesus Christ must do so worthily. They must have pure hearts and be filled with love in their hearts. St. Paul warns us, “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment (condemnation) on themselves” (1 Cor. 11:27-29).
Judas Iscariot ate the bread that Jesus gave him, which was Jesus’ body and blood, and the scripture said, “Satan entered him.” Unlike the rest of the apostles, Judas was not worthy of the body and blood of Christ because his heart was not pure; he had hatred in his heart. In receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ, he received condemnation instead of life. Therefore, we should endeavor to commune and receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ worthily, with a pure heart and love. If our hearts are not pure, we should go for a cleansing in the sacrament of reconciliation, the confession, especially during this Holy Week.
Be A Light to The Nations
Jesus is the true light that came into the world to enlighten everyone (Jn. 1:9). He is the light of the world (John 8:12). Jesus is the light to the nations through whom God’s salvation reached the ends of the earth, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah in today’s first reading.
As Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ. We are expected to act or be like Christ to the world. Also, our master, Jesus Christ, wants us to be to the world what He was and is to the world. Thus, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). Our task is to live up to being the light of the world or the nations.
Our lights must shine as Christians so that God’s salvation would reach the ends of the earth. Our light must shine so that our heavenly Father’s name be glorified. Our light shines when we live out our faith and Christian ideals, become fervent witnesses, and live a righteous and holy life. Our light shines when we indulge in good deeds, and people see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father (Matt. 5:16). The Holy Week is an ideal time to be a light. Holy Week is the best time to make our light shine out to others.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
