DAILY- HOMILY

April 17, 2019 - WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

Violet.

Is 50: 4 – 9a / Mt 26: 14 – 25

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Is 50: 6 – 7

I offered my back to those who strike me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; neither did I shield my face from blows, spittle and disgrace. I have not despaired, for the Lord Yahweh comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced.

FROM THE GOSPEL READING:     Mt 26: 14 – 16, 19 – 25

Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went off to the chief priests and said, "How much will you give me if I hand him over to you?" They promised to give him thirty pieces of silver, and from then on, he kept looking for the best way to hand him over to them. . . .

The disciples did as Jesus had ordered and prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus sat at table with the Twelve. While they were eating, Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."  They were deeply distressed and asked him in turn, "You do not mean me, do you, Lord?"

He answered, "He who will betray me is one of those who dips his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say he will. But alas for that one who betrays the Son of Man; better for him not to have been born." Judas, who was betraying him, also asked, "You do not mean, me, Master, do you?" Jesus replied, "You have said it."

REFLECTION

During Holy Week we recall the passion, death and resurrection of Our Lord for our salvation.. Today's first reading from Isaiah details some of the sufferings inflicted on Our Lord in his passion. In all the pain and suffering, though seemingly abandoned even by his heavenly Father, he did not despair nor lose hope: "I have not despaired, for the Lord Yahweh comes to my help."

In the Gospel reading we listen to the betrayal of Jesus by one his chosen apostles, Judas Iscariot. For thirty pieces of silver Judas agreed to hand Jesus over to the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews: "from then on he kept looking for the best way to hand him over to them."

We also hear Jesus telling his disciples at the Passover meal that one of them would betray him. Judas even had the gall to ask Jesus, "You do not mean me, Master, do you?" And Jesus confirmed his betrayal, "You have said it."

The betrayal of Judas was very painful for Jesus, coming from one of his trusted chosen ones.

We, too, betray Our Lord when we sin, when we do not follow his commands, when we prefer the world's values to the Gospel values he preached. When we sin, we betray our loving Father in heaven.

FINALLY, WE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ASKED OUR PRAYERS AND FOR THOSE WHO NEED OUR PRAYERS THE MOST. 

BIRTHDAY 

     Fr. Benjamin Y. Sim S.J.

Have a good day!

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