Wednesday of Holy Week

Key Verse : Mathew 26 : 14 – 25

Meditation : “ My appointed time draws near”

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus shows us that fidelity to one’s vocation is lived one minute at a time. Jesus’  fidelity is lived out in a continuous stream of “now” moments: announcing the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, forgiving the sinful, all leading up to the appointed hour.

The Passover is beginning. Pilgrims are streaming into Jerusalem, including Jesus and his closest disciples. Jesus knows what is coming. “My appointed time draws near.” Already in chapter 26 of Matthew he has foretold his crucifixion during the Passover (v.2). He has declared the anointing at Bethany a preparation for his burial (v.12). He knows, too, that one of his own disciples will betray him – an inside job.

In the face of betrayal, torture, and death, what does Jesus do ? He goes on with his vocation of revealing the faithful love of God for his people. At this precise moment it means preparing and celebrating the Passover meal.

Today we stand on the brink of the Sacred Triduum, and the church gives us the calm deliberate choices of Jesus to continue his mission. He knows this will lead to Calvary. We also ponder the calculated moves of Judas, which will lead to his duplicitous kiss.

Prayer : 

My God, I want to be with you completely in these days when we remember your passion and death. When I think of your fidelity to your vocation, your total self – giving in the face of the betrayal and the cowardice of your disciples, I am overwhelmed. Time is a precious gift; help me to spend it wisely as you did in your public ministry. Strengthen me so that in my moments of crisis I may choose faithful love no matter the cost.