From the Deacon's Desk

Each day I reflect on a specific word or phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to reflect on this word or phrase and incorporate it in your prayers today.

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (John 13:21)

ONE OF YOU WILL BETRAY ME: Why did Judas betray Jesus? Was his treachery motivated by greed, bitter disappointment, or disillusionment?

It may be that Judas never intended for Jesus to die. Maybe he thought Jesus was proceeding too slowly and not acting aggressively enough in setting up his kingdom. Perhaps Judas wanted to “shake things up” or force Jesus’ hand by compelling him to act. If that was the case, he refused to accept Jesus as he was.

How much Judas do we have in us? Are we thinking and acting as if Jesus “isn’t doing it right”? Are we attempting to use God for our own purposes rather than submitting to his will? It is not God who must change, but we must be changed by him.

We should use our prayer time today for self-examination. We should examine ourselves in the light of God’s truth and grace and ask him to strengthen us in faith, hope, and love so that we may not fail him or forsake him when we are tempted. That will be our way of “accepting God as he is” – we KNOW he accepts us as we are!