One of You Will Betray Me
By Deacon Rod Knight
Betrayal has to do with being unfaithful in guarding, keeping or fulfilling the trust given, especially in times of need: it’s to deliver or expose someone to an enemy by treachery or disloyalty. In Matthew’s Gospel, we hear of Judas and Peter both betraying Jesus Christ. Judas hands over Jesus for the love of money, thirty pieces of silver. Peter, in an act of self-preservation, denies being a follower of or even knowing Christ.
Let us not be too quick to judge. Disobedience and bad faith are forms of betrayal. Sin is a transgression against divine law. It is a rebellion against God. It is choosing our will in an act of selfishness over God’s perfect will. Peter, John and James slept while in the Garden of Gethsemane when they were trusted to keep watch and pray.
How many times have I chosen money over Jesus by voluntarily working on a holy day of obligation and not attending Mass? By withholding tithes or alms? How many times have I denied Jesus by having the opportunity to evangelize and saying nothing for fear of being rejected or ridiculed? Or by not praying in public prior to meals or for another asking for prayer? How many times have I chosen to sleep, to watch media or do other activities over serving the Church and doing God’s will?
I am using myself as an example, and I am a sinner. As for you, let him who is without sin cast the first stone. This is not meant to be an exercise in Catholic guilt, but we are all broken, hurt and sinful. Death is the cost of sin. Judas decided to be his own judge and take a life by hanging himself, a life that he was only a steward of. Peter took a route of redemption: he wept. This was not Peter’s only folly, yet he became our first pope.
A practicing Catholic is expected to execute the Precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043), which are the minimum requirements. We must keep a life of prayer. We need to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. We must confess our sins at least once a year. Receive Holy Communion during Easter, and observe fasting and days of abstinence. Support the Church according to our means. Follow the marriage laws of the Church. We have a merciful God of love who wants communion with us. Usually, the only thing standing in the way of our most important relationship is us.
Do you remember the story of the Gerasene Demoniac, “I am Legion” (Mark 5: 1-20 or Luke 8: 26-39)? The man was possessed by many demons (a legion is usually 4,000 to 6,000) who fought for control of him. Jesus Christ sought this one lost sheep and healed him, restoring his relationship with God. Jesus understands the importance of one soul.
The seven Sacraments are broken down into three groups: the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), Sacraments of Healing (Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation) and the Sacraments of Service (Holy Orders, Matrimony). If it has been some time since you have received the Blessed Eucharist, I beg you to seek healing in the confessional and receive the Bread of Angels, returning to full communion with God and His Church. If He can heal the man possessed by Legion, He can certainly heal us. It is our choice: Peter or Judas.