The betrayal of Jesus continued…
The Jewish authorities wished to find a way to arrest Jesus without provoking a riotous disturbance. Judas presented them with this opportunity. There could be three main reasons why Judas betrayed Jesus:
- Avarice; sold Jesus out for less than £5
- Hatred based on disillusionment. Jews had their dream of power
- Judas never intended Jesus to die rather he wanted to spur Jesus into action
Judas refused to accept Jesus as he was and tried to make him what he wanted him to be. It is not that Jesus can be changed by us but we who must be changed by Jesus (Barclay, Daily Study Bible Matthew pp331/2).
Become silent, aware of the awesome presence of God who never ceases to be with us.
Bless yourself in the + Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall, world without end. Amen.
Here I am Lord, I come to do your will Read: Psalm 34:1-9
Personal Prayer and recollection; As well as thanking and giving praise to God, we remind ourselves of the needs of our family, friends, community, wider world and we remember especially all those affected by Covid-19 and we remember our own personal needs.
We know that you are with us Lord. You never leave us or abandon us in our need. I now open my ears and my heart to listen to your voice coming to me through the Holy Gospel.
Read: The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 26:14-25
Silent meditation on the Gospel: Is there a sentence or paragraph that seems to resonate with me? What is my reaction to it?
Maybe read over that part of the text a couple of times, reflecting and praying with it. If you wish you can use the Lectio Divina process outlined here.
Give thanks to God for what he has revealed to you during your prayer time.
Conclude your prayer time with: Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory be.
Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Grant your faithful, O Lord, we pray, to partake unceasingly of the paschal mysteries and to await with longing the gifts to come, that, persevering in the Sacraments of their rebirth, they may be led by Lenten works to newness of life.
Through Christ our Lord
