Prayer:
Jesus, may I always be loyal to you.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus at the Last Supper.
Context:
Jesus often spoke about his betrayal. Up to now however, Jesus never revealed his betrayer or said openly that he would come from the twelve. Now he must focus on this issue. So, Jesus reveals Judas as the one and determines the time by telling Judas to leave the Upper Room.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Thoughts: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- What a tragic story. Judas, called to be close to Jesus, becomes the knife in Jesus’ heart.
- Jesus often spoke about this moment. Now, it could not be postponed.
- Because of their simplicity, the other apostles worry if it could be themselves.
- The Beloved Disciple is so close to Jesus’ heart that Jesus tell him who his betrayer is.
- Jesus is still in control. He determines the time of the betrayal by telling Judas to act now.
- “It was night” everywhere – in Judas’ soul, in Jesus’ broken heart and in world history. This was the darkest moment.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, by your grace, my life will not be a tragic story.
- You call me to greatness. You have prepared a place for me at your table.
- Give me the simplicity of the apostles who were loyal to you.
- I will place my head on your breast and experience the love in your Sacred Heart.
- O Jesus, to depart from you is the darkest night. Hold on to me.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will value my friendship with Jesus above every other prize.
+ I will be faithful to my friends.