The End is Near?

The Scripture readings for yesterday and today heighten the awareness that Jesus’ final days are imminent. In the reading from Isaiah this morning (Is. 50: 4-9a), Jesus’ humility in accepting his mission on earth is very clear:

                                  "Morning after morning

he opens my ears

that I may hear;

and I have not rebelled,

have not turned back.

I gave my back to those

who beat me,

                                             my cheeks to those

                                                 who plucked my beard;

                                                my face I did not shield

                                                from buffets and spitting.

                                                …He is near who upholds my right;

                                               if anyone wishes to oppose me,

                                                 let us appear together.”

In John’s Gospel (13:21-33, 36-38), Jesus announces his impending betrayal by one of his disciples. Totally clueless, they begin asking who the traitor could be. Judas steps into the scene as Jesus hands him the dipped morsel, but the disciples do not perceive the significance of this betrayal identification. Jesus tells Judas to proceed with what he is going to do. Since Judas was the keeper of the money bag, the disciples assumed his quick departure was for the purpose of procuring supplies for the Passover feast or to contribute alms to the poor. John’s words “And it was night” indicate Judas’ isolation from the communion of love that Jesus the Light of the World came to give.

Jesus appears pretty calm in his consideration of Judas’ action in what is about to occur. He goes on to continue the discourse of what is about to transpire:



                                                                 "Now is the Son of Man to be glorified

                      and God is glorified in him...

                 you will look for me…

                        where I go you cannot come…”

Peter then jumps into the limelight with his inquisitiveness as to Jesus’ location and a promise to follow Jesus wherever he goes, no matter what. Jesus informs Peter the “the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

The same betrayal story appears in Matthew’s Gospel  (Mt. 26:14-25). Judas approaches the chief priests- the betrayal plans are made and Judas receives the thirty pieces of silver. Jesus and the other disciples begin preparations for the Passover. Judas returns, receives the dipped morsel, and betrays.

Jesus, Judas, Peter~ Light, Betrayer, Denier.

Jesus~ The Light of the World, Peace and Love, Servant to all, center of salvation history.

Judas~ Fallen away in darkness, but loved by Jesus.

Peter~ Sincere but not always faithful, but loved by Jesus.

Judas~ Remorseful, but gave it all up.

Peter~ Remorseful, but returned and became faithful servant of Jesus’ mission

And the story goes on

as these characters live on in each of us

and we are truly loved!!!