http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041614.cfm
Betrayal is a horrifying reality that
strikes the heart and injures our relationships. Betrayal is the risk we wage when opening ourselves to
another, letting our guard down, and trusting intimate moments with a person we
hold dear. Many of us have
confided in someone only to be disappointed to learn that our investment
flopped. Perhaps we have been the
one to betray another …
In this selection of the Gospel of Matthew, we learn of the
betrayal of Jesus by a close friend: Judas. Judas became enthralled in the possibility of gaining power
and wealth – turning his back on Jesus for the sake of selfish
advancement. Judas wanted to
believe that he would not betray the Lord: Not
I, Rabbi? How often do we
rationalize a wrong to a right? How often do we allow the desires of the world to corrupt our
own vocation?
As we venture more fully in Holy Week, perhaps we can
consider the times we are tempted to betray those who put their trust in us: a
friend, colleague, partner, the Lord.
What draws us away from our commitment? What makes us afraid to be bold and convicted in our
calling? Do we have the courage to
return to the Lord, beg forgiveness, and be refreshed in the mercy that is our
God? Let us turn to the Cross of
Christ and recognize our sinfulness only to embrace true salvation.
Ave Crux, Spes Unica!
Joseph Desciak
Assistant Dean, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
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