Holy Wednesday
Introduction:
What will you give me if I betray him to you?

Scripture: Matthew 26:14-25

Meditation
The story of Judas betrayal makes us wonder how evil he really was. He was able to  betray a friend, a teacher – the Son of God. This makes us think that the world is divided into those who are good and those who are bad. Those like Judas who need repentance and those like Peter who lean close to Jesus. But wait! Didn’t Peter betray Jesus too?  He betrayed him the very same night after Jesus was arrested. All of his friends, His so-called followers… the twelve ran, hid, denied and betrayed Him.

All of us may have one way or another betrayed someone dear to us. We’ve one way or another let down a friend or family or even acted for self-interest in desperation to save us or someone we love. This week is the season of repentance and forgiveness of other people’s shortcomings towards us and of our own self. This is the season to reflect and meditate more of the things we need to let go, make amends, move forward and create a new beginning.

Judas may have acted in his own self-interest.  Sadly, missing the chance of forgiveness and reconciliation  with Jesus. What do you think would have happened if he didn’t miss this opportunity? Surely we can learn  from his mistakes.

Meditating on Judas’ experience makes you remember times where you felt betrayed by  someone close to you. But have you thought of the time you betrayed yourself? As we go through this reflection, focus on the confession. What are you confessing to yourself? We have many times put things aside because we think that it’s to  self-centered or that we are not important. But we are. We are important. We are important to ourselves.

Journal Reflection
What have you learned from Judas’ mistakes?
As you reflect today, think of 5 things you are sorry for in your life and would change  greatly for your peace of mind.

What do you think  will Jesus tell you? Spend a few minutes freely pouring your frustrations to Jesus. Confess your shortcomings, betrayals, and hurts as you let go of the  emotions.  As you do this, feel and experience the mercy, love and forgiveness that Christ freely offers.

As you immerse yourself in this reflection activity,  focus your attention on the forgiveness and purification that is yours in Christ. Revel in the joy of a new beginning. As you finish your journal reflection: Thank God for the gift of love, forgiveness and renewal. Turn you heart towards the celebration of  the coming Easter.

Prayer:
O God, I open myself to your mercy and love. I am grateful for today – a day of love, forgiveness  and renewal.