One of you will betray me! Lord, who will it be?

Readings: 1^st: Is 49:1-6; Ps: 71; Gos: 13:21-33,36-38

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the third day of Holy Week. The journey of this season is gradually coming to its end. Things are becoming clearer to the disciples of Jesus.

Knowing that it will be his last meal with his disciples, Christ decides to make a great revelation to them about his suffering and death. Most important, he revealed the role one of them will play in the whole process: “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

This news was received with much surprise. Now every one is a suspect. Who will it be? They ask one another. But the culprit knows himself, what he has done and what he was going to do. Of course, Christ knew that it would be Judas Iscariot who was a thief, and jealous of him

The betrayal of Judas Iscariot will be immediate, and would initiate the great suffering and suffering of Christ. Yet, there is other betrayal that belongs to the future, that of Peter the head of the apostles. Of course, now he is full of zeal to deal with who ever will betray their master, but he will do the same thing. Though at another level.

So, the story of our salvation is full of ups and downs. It is marked by betrayals, persecutions, sufferings and abandonment. These marks are what makes this story unique and what it is.

However, the good news is that, these sufferings, betrayals, and abandonments will bear positive fruits. They prepare the ground for the good things to come in future, the salvation of humanity.

Have you been betrayed, abandoned by the ones you loved most? Do you feel lonely on your journey in life? Look up to Christ and make him your model in your difficult journey of life. He will help you to understand why. He did for you, and for all of us. If we endure like him, we shall see his salvation and glory.

This Holy Week, may we find the strength and courage to face these difficult moments in our own life.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!