24/03/2024
TODAY’S REFLECTION AND PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
Are you better than those who killed Jesus?
Today is one of those days where we all join the priest in the reading of the Gospel passage. We do this not simply because the Gospel passage is long but so that we all can participate actively and be part of what is happening. In fact, if we take our time to reflect on the words we have just uttered, we would observe that the homily for today is contained in the Pasion narrative.
One word that readily comes to mind at the beginning of the Passion Narrative is Betrayal. What does it mean to be betrayed – sold away by a trusted friend; by a person who shares the same plate with you?
Have I betrayed people’s trust, told lies against them or leaked out certain secret information for the sake of money, fame, position or some privileges? Have I acted like Peter; bragging before people only to let them down in their absence?
Jesus took the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray but instead, they started sleeping. How deep and serious is my prayer life? Am I able to watch for one hour with Jesus every day? Do I command God to do my will in prayer instead of simply praying as Jesus prayed: “Let your will, not mine be done.”
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a symbol of love. Do I pretend to love people whereas I am killing them? Am I a friend by day and an enemy at night? Jesus told Peter not to fight with his sword. How do I treat my enemies? Eventually the disciples fled for their lives. Do I stick with my friends when things become rough or abandon them when it seems I can no longer benefit from them?
The Sanhedrin judged Jesus and convicted him of blasphemy. As an authority figure, how do I judge cases? Do I give a listening ear to the accused or simply follow the crowd in passing sentence? How do I react when I meet a mob action?
Both Peter and Judas realized their sins but while Peter came back to ask forgiveness, Judas went off to hang himself. Do I feel that my sin
