Wednesday of Holy Week
Morning Prayer
Grace: To abide with Jesus through the loneliness and anguish of his passion.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14-25
Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,* went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”
The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered and prepared the Passover.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”’
Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?”
He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”
Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?”
He answered, “You have said so.”
Reflection
Betrayal strikes at the core of my heart, seeping through the sinew, blood and veins consuming all that I believe to know. I see the disciples prepare for that moment of ritual fellowship. Jesus, why does my heart hurt so?
You unflinchingly continue to do the Father’s will. But I am like the disciples distressed by your remark “one of you will betray me.” I ask myself: “Have I not been generous with my love?” “Have I misunderstood your message?” “Have I not sought you daily?” Perhaps my heart is so hard and bitter that I feel absent from your love. Jesus, why does my heart hurt so?
Gathered at the table with you and the disciples, you see each one of us knowing that the will of the Father will be done. This overshadowing truth is revealed in the one who spoke, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus, why does my heart hurt so?
All-consuming fire of love strikes at the core of my heart.
Reflection Questions
- What transformative grace have I received this Lent?
- How have I drawn nearer to Jesus this Lent?
You may want to continue your reflection by contemplating this image:
An Intimate Request
How do you, Lord, look at me?
What do you feel in your heart for me?
-John Eagan, SJ, “Hearts on Fire Praying with the Jesuits”, (Loyola Press:Chicago, 2004), 85.
Evening Prayer – Psalm 63: 5-9
Reflecting upon the previous image/song or poem, I call to mind:
“I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.”
Jesus, I recollect the beauty and power of your name.
“My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise; With joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!”
Thanksgiving: Take a moment to give thanks to the Lord for this day.
“When I think of you upon my bed, Through the night watches I will recall”
Review: I ask for the wisdom of God to show me the events, persons and insights of my day.
“That you indeed are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.”
Reflection: I remember one way today that I have failed to love and I ask Jesus for mercy.
“My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.”
Write a summary of the experiences you have received today.
The Contributor:
Ana Frietze, MAPM, is a wife, mother, and spiritual director. She has trained to accompany others in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, through the Magis Program of San Antonio. Ana received her Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from OST. She is an instructor in Oblate’s IFP Program and a supervisor in the formation program Espiritualidad y Direccíon Espiritual.
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.