Spy Wednesday
Jesus was in Bethany, the Wednesday before his death, in the house of Simon. Judas was seeking an opportunity to betray Jesus. In reference to Judas Iscariot’s intent to betray Jesus, formed on Holy Wednesday, the day is sometimes called “Spy Wednesday”. Spy in this context means ambush or snare. Judas became a spy for the Sanhedrin.
It is hard to forgive someone who has betrayed your trust. And as many of you know, there are many different levels of trust so there are many different levels of betrayal. Some are easier to forgive, others may take years before one can honestly say I forgive you.
Jesus experienced all levels of betrayal. Not just Judas, but from His Disciples, closest friends such as Peter, and He suffered much humiliation from many peoples. He suffered all this for us. I wonder how much pain and suffering I have added to His Passion. Even two thousand years later, I recognize that He died for my sins also. As we read the Passion narratives this week, place yourself in the scene. Knowing that Jesus is dying for your sins, how does that make you feel? What part of the Passion touches your heart the most? Could this be where Jesus suffers the most just for you? Even more we should seek forgiveness and ask God for mercy.
The Holy Triduum starts tomorrow, April 1, Holy Thursday. This year think of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil as one long liturgy. An extended Mass if you will. If you can make all three liturgies it makes Easter even more real. Good Friday is on Friday and the Easter Vigil on Saturday. Then on Easter Sunday morning we join the rest of the world in proclaiming Jesus is Risen.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen