Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 27, 2024

Date:   Wednesday of Holy Week

Scripture Text:  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 thirty 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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Judas Iscariot’s plan to betray Jesus and Jesus’ awareness of what was to happen.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I pretend to be a follower of Christ yet choose myself and my desires over Christ and the life He calls me to live?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten and beloved Son to dwell among us, to take our human nature and as our brother to reveal You and your unceasing love for us. It was your will that He be our Savior, that He selflessly and willingly sacrificed himself so that we might have life. Send your Spirit to stir within us, to kindle anew the fire of your love and transform us into willing and loving daughters and sons who seek to live the life we are called to lived as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.