THEY ARE YOUR OWN WORDS

WEDNESDY IN HOLY WEEK:  THE BETRAYAL

First Reading Isaiah 50:4-9 Who thinks he has a case against me? Let him approach me

The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech. Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple. Readings

The Lord has opened my ear. For my part, I made no resistance, neither did I turn away. I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; I did not cover my face against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults. So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed. My vindicator is here at hand. Does anyone start proceedings against me?

Then let us go to court together. Who thinks he has a case against me? Let him approach me. The Lord is coming to my help, who will dare to condemn me?

Gospel Matt. 26:14-25 'The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will'

One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?’ They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from that moment he looked for an opportunity to betray him. Lectures 

 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus to say, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the passover?’ ‘Go to so-and-so in the city’ he replied ‘and say to him, “The Master says: My time is near. It is at your house that I am keeping Passover with my disciples.”’ The disciples did what Jesus told them and prepared the Passover.

When evening came he was at table with the twelve disciples. And while they were eating he said ‘I tell you solemnly, one of you is about to betray me.’ They were greatly distressed and started asking him in turn, ‘Not I, Lord, surely?’ He answered, ‘Someone who has dipped his hand into the dish with me, will betray me.

The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will, but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!.

Better for that man if he had never been born!’

Judas, who was to betray him; asked in his turn,

‘Not I, Rabbi, surely?’

‘They are your own words’ answered Jesus. Reflections

My Father in heaven betrayal by those we trust is painful. Give me the grace to bear and a heart to forgive like Jesus Christ did. Father each morning you my Lord wakes me to hear, listen to you. Father you are my God you come to my help I am untouched by insults, false accusations and threats. I shall not be shamed. God my vindicator is here at hand. Does anyone start proceedings against me?  Who thinks he has a case against me? Let him approach me. The Lord is my help, who will dare to condemn me? My God will vindicate and acquit me. 

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Guide and guard me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ Jesus pray for us.

Your Birthday Saint: Saint Martin I, Pope and Martyr may he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.