Wednesday | April 13, 2022
Matthew 26:14-25:
The plan is in place as Judas watches and waits for the right moment. The disciples are distressed by Jesus’ statement about betrayal. Perhaps Judas thinks he feigns innocence well but Jesus, very much in charge of the situation, knows exactly who his betrayer is.
Betrayal seemed to come so easily to Judas and yet in the end he was filled with despair. I pray for all those tempted to choose that path. May they be open to your healing love and mercy.
Tuesday | April 12, 2022
John 13:21-33, 36-38:
Jesus acknowledges Judas’s guilt. Judas leaves and thus sets the night into motion. Jesus tells the remaining apostles that he will soon leave, and they cannot go with him. Peter wants to know where Jesus is going and in the same breath passionately professes his love and fidelity. Jesus tells Peter that by early morning he too will betray him by denying that he knows Jesus, not once, but three times.
Judas and Peter gave in to their weakness. There are times when I have done the same. Thank you for not only giving me the grace to turn back to you but for welcoming me with open arms.
Monday | April 11, 2022
John 12:1-11:
Jesus is with his friends. Martha serves the meal and Mary anoints Jesus’ feet. Lazarus’s presence is proof of Jesus’ living word. It is Judas who calls attention to himself by criticizing Mary’s use of the oil. His reasoning makes little sense because he cares nothing for the poor. Friendship, fidelity, hypocrisy, and betrayal are all part of the movement toward Jesus’ passion and death.
We continue to pray for the elect, the candidates and all who journey together through this, the holiest week of the year.
Sunday | April 10, 2022
Luke 19:28-40,22:14-23:56:
The assembly processes with blessed palms elevated, heralding Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. “When the hour came,” the words that begin Luke’s Passion narrative draw the listeners into the dramatic unfolding of God’s plan. Through tremendous suffering and a humiliating death, Jesus, the Messiah is glorified.
We process, with palms elevated, shouting Hosanna. It is our attempt to enter that moment in time. We hear your passion proclaimed for the first time this week. How blessed are we to know the rest of your story, our story.
Saturday | April 9, 2022
John 11:45-56:
There are those witnesses of the miracle of Lazarus brought back from death who came to believe in Jesus. Then there are those who use Jesus’ action to destroy him. The Jewish leaders gather. It is the high priest Caiaphas who influences their decision as to how to proceed. Jesus is a threat and so better to sacrifice him than their nation.
There are those who unite and there are those who divide. Strengthen your people. Bring us together in your name.
Friday | April 8, 2022
John 10:31-42:
The people are unable to accept anything Jesus says about his relationship to the Father. Because they believe his words to be blasphemy, the good works Jesus has done count for nothing. He returns to the place where his ministry began. The people make the connection between John and Jesus and with that, they come to believe in him.
I pray this day for those who do not believe. Holy Spirit, touch their hearts, open their eyes, draw them to the truth.
Thursday | April 7, 2022
John 8:51-59:
The volley of words between the Jews and Jesus continues and the dispute intensifies. He tells them that he is greater than Abraham and the prophets. Though presently in the first half of his human life, He, the great I AM, was before they came into being. This clear assertion of his divinity sends the Jews over the edge.
You are God’s greatest covenant. Thank you for inviting me into that eternal relationship. I pray for those who do not understand.
Wednesday | April 6, 2022
John 8:31-42:
Jesus is speaking to those Jews “who believe in him” about his Father. There is still confusion and resistance. They take what he says about sin as slavery literally and become defensive about their heritage. Jesus quells the dispute by stating clearly who he is and “whose” he is.
Loving God, I give you glory. You are the way, the truth and the light. Your love frees me from the bondage of sin.
Tuesday | April 5, 2022
John 8:21-30:
The tension is escalating rapidly as Jesus’ final days draw near. In today’s Gospel, he speaks publicly about his divine origin and at the same time his obedience and subservience to the Father. He tells the “Jews,” though they may not know him now, they will when they raise him up on the cross. John tells us that those words bring some to believe.
I reflect today on the depth and breadth of those two words, “I AM.”
Monday | April 4, 2022
John 8:12-20:
In the first reading from Deuteronomy, we hear a story about the false testimony undone by a proper investigation. For every question posed by the Pharisees in John’s Gospel, Jesus has an answer and counters every argument. They are not willing to accept Jesus’ testimony because their minds are already made up.
There are so many who cannot or will not accept the truth. They spin their own truth. I want so much to help them see.
