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April 5, 2023"My appointed time draws near."
With the Feast of the Unleavened Bread underway, Jesus gathered his disciples to celebrate the Passover. This, he knew, would be his last. He says: "My appointed time draws near." Reading the signs of the times, he anticipated the events of his imminent demise. He stood upon a precipice where ahead lay a bright promise but below lay a dark valley casting a shadow of death.
Jesus experienced a betrayal at the Passover. It pierced his heart no less than the sword that pierced Mary’s soul. He told his disciples, "One of you will betray me." Imagine this exchange as Judas looks into Jesus' eyes and says, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Imagine Jesus looking at Judas saying, "You have said so". This moment makes me shudder. Betrayal is gut-wrenching. Is there any good news in this story? Where is God?
Determined to do the Father’s will, his “face was set, like flint, knowing that he would not be put to shame.” His trust was in God, “For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” In some mysterious way, this betrayal did not hinder his mission. Even in our darkest moments, when all else fails, God is still present. God is still with us. God is at work beyond every human motive. He will bring justice; he will bring peace. He will bring redemption. May God help us trust in his goodness and to persevere in faith even in the midst of trials and betrayals. “The Lord redeems the life of his servants, all who take refuge in him shall not be ruined.” (Ps 34:23)
