Isaiah 50:4-9 / Matthew 26:14-25 (2019)
One of the most heart-wrenching statements that Jesus ever spoke was what we just heard in the gospel.
He said: I tell you most solemnly, one of you is about to betray me.
Of course, we know now what the disciples do not know then.
We know it was Judas who betrayed Jesus.
Yet Peter also denied Jesus and the other disciples fled when Jesus was arrested.
It was betrayal in different forms.
Yes, we know now what the disciples do not know then at the Last Supper.
Yet as we gather for the Eucharist, we also do not know what lies ahead for us.
When will our trials come? Will we lose faith and betray Jesus?
The disciples all betrayed Jesus. Can we ever say that we didn't, or that we will not?
Yes, we all have sinned, and no one can ever say that he is better than the rest or that he is a lesser sinner.
But as much as all have sinned, all are also offered the grace of salvation.
In our times of weakness and temptation, let us turn to the Lord and ask for His help.
He will not abandon us, nor will He betray us.