Wednesday of Holy Week

Reflection
The tone of the readings from Isaiah and Matthew is not very uplifting but certainly reflects the tenor of the midway point of Holy Week. The theme suggests humility and acceptance with the knowledge that God is always there to support and love as stated in the responsorial: “Lord, in your great love, answer me.”  Our great example is God made man, Jesus Christ. He is accepting of his plight that He must suffer and die in order to fulfill the word and redeem all of mankind.

As we reflect on the words of the readings and pause to meditate, let us consider the questions that Bishop Christopher Coyne asked recently, “What are we doing well? What are we not doing well?”  He was referring to the Church as a whole but let us apply the questions to us as individuals. Do our actions support our words? How do we support our fellow world citizens both spiritually and materially? Perhaps we are more like Judas at times when our actions do not back up what we say; we betray ourselves. As we proceed through the remainder of Holy Week and culminate the week with the Resurrection on Easter Sunday, let us all celebrate what we are doing well and go forward with the resolve to make better the things that we are not doing well, staying positive with the reminder that God is our help.

Prayer

Please help me to accept my imperfections and rejoice in my strengths. “Lord, in your great love, answer me.”

Barbara J. Gaida, M’01, Member of the Worshipping Community

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
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