DAILY- HOMILY

22 March 2016

Tuesday of Holy Week

Violet.           

Is 49:1– 6 / Jn 13:21–33, 36 – 38

From the Gospel Reading: Jn 13:21 – 33, 36 - 38

After saying this, Jesus was distressed in spirit and said plainly, "Truly, one of you will betray me."  The disciples then looked at one another, wondering who he meant.  One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining near Jesus; so Simon Peter signaled him to ask Jesus whom he meant.

And the disciple who was reclining near Jesus asked him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "I shall dip a piece of bread in the dish, and he to whom I give it, is the one." So Jesus dipped the bread and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And as Judas took the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus then said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."

None of the others reclining at table understood why Jesus said this to Judas As he had the common purse, they may have thought that Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast," or, "Give something to the poor."  Judas left as soon as he had eaten the bread. It was night.

When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. God will glorify him, and he will glorify him very soon.  My children, I am with you for only a little while; you will look for me, but, as I already told the Jews, so now I tell you: where I am going you cannot come."

Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but afterwards you will."  Peter said, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I am ready to give my life for you."  Jesus answered, "To give your life for me! Truly, I tell you, the cock will not crow before you have denied me three times." 

Reflection

The Gospel reading speaks about the apostles' loyalty to and betrayal of Jesus. Jesus, knowing his impending betrayal by Judas, was "distressed in spirit."  For monetary considerations, Judas betrayed Jesus and then hanged himself.  

Though Peter pledges his love and unfailing loyalty to Jesus, he denies him before common folk out of weakness and fear. But he sincerely regretted it and continued to be a loyal follower of Jesus.

Have we experienced betrayal and faltering loyalty from our friends? Do we keep failing and betraying Jesus in our everyday life?  Let us ask for the grace to know Jesus better through the scriptures, and lift up to him in prayer all things and issues that make us weak and lead us astray.

Lord Jesus, I have sinned so many times against you.  I implore your divine mercy to forgive my failings.  Grant me the grace to be constantly aware of your presence within me. 

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, SJ

     Tim Bautista

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     Horacio and Tony Bulaong

     William Ang Lim (April 23, 1949 – Mar 22, 2014)

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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