REFLECTIONS TODAY

Matthew’s account of the preparation for the Passover meal shows how Jesus directs the course of events. He is in perfect command of the situation. As they share the meal, Jesus predicts that one of the disciples will betray him. This underlines the enormity of the despicable act — done by one whom Jesus trusts and considers a friend. While Judas’ role is necessary in the fulfillment of the scriptural plan, this does not negate his responsibility for his action. He is motivated not only by greed but also by disrespect and loss of faith in Jesus as his Master. Note that while his fellow disciples address Jesus as “Lord” (v 22), Judas calls him “Rabbi” (v 25), the title used by the scribes and Pharisees and the crowds. In contrast, Jesus remains steadfast in his love and friendship for this erring disciple. Even as Judas goes to Gethsemane to betray him, Jesus calls him “friend” (Mt 26:50). Gospel • Matthew 26:14-25 One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him 30 pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).