Wednesday of Holy Week
God has given each one of us the gift of free will and called us each by name to respond constantly in our lives, using our own free will. With the gift of free will comes great responsibility. Are the choices we make a reflection of the needs and well-being of others? Or are our choices a reflection of our own needs, wants and prejudices?
Today’s Gospel is based on the twelve apostles who gather with Jesus to celebrate Passover. It focuses on Judas Iscariot. Judas was called by name and chose to follow Jesus, became a part of Jesus’s inner circle and was given the responsibility to manage the purse for those in need. During Jesus’s public life, He crossed barriers: tending the sick no matter their origins, gender, or beliefs; forgiving all who sought forgiveness and not judging anyone. Jesus chose what was right, what was good, rather than what was self-serving or the popular choice.
Aware that Judas was not being fiscally responsible with the money purse and aware of the decision of betrayal, Judas was most likely about to make; Jesus did not exclude him from the Passover meal, nor did he take the money responsibilities away from him. Judas’ free will was never taken away from him, and Jesus never turned His back on him, or on any of the apostles.
We are each called by name. We are given the gift of free will. Do we make choices that are for the good of others, or do we make choices that benefit ourselves, and are popular with our family and friends? Do we ask God for help to make positive choices, rather than self-serving or popular choices? Do we remember the power of God’s forgiveness, if we but ask?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, grant us the courage to make choices that benefit others. Grant to us the compassionate, loving heart and mind of Jesus. Amen
Sr. Laura Della Santa, RSM, M’84
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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