ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 30, 2021
Scripture: John 13:21
After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
Thought for the Day: Can you imagine being accused of something that you had yet to do? Can you imagine those words coming from the one who you loved and respected, the one you had promised to follow to the end? I can only imagine my first response would be defensiveness, followed with words of my undying commitment… a little like the disciples. On further reflection and some deeper introspection, I might have been able to painfully acknowledge the possibility that Jesus was correct. Within all of us, at any given moment, is the possibility for betrayal and denial and outright subversion of the message Jesus came to share. A fear that we could betray him might leave us unable to do anything, yet awareness of the possibility allows for us to be humble and confessional. It is only then that we create the possibility of following Christ into the darker hours of Holy Week.
Prayer: I confess to you, Merciful God, how my life can so easily turn away from you. I am quick with an excuse or an explanation why it’s not the right moment. I can speak lofty words as I betray your mission of love. Forgive me and beckon me to join you again in the journey to the cross. Amen.
