Daily Gospel Reflection for April 13, 2022: Wednesday of Holy Week

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Kerri Baunach

Today's Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

Today is referred to as “Spy Wednesday” because we have the story of Judas about to betray Jesus. From a chronological perspective this makes sense as we prepare to enter into the Holy Triduum. But what else should we be learning from this story? Why does the Church choose to focus on Judas this day?

Pondering these questions, I am struck by Jesus’ words at the very end: "You have said so." Jesus knows what is in the works, He knows Judas has already made the arrangements. And yet Judas replies as all the others do that surely it is not him who will betray Jesus.

As Jesus says those words I imagine Him looking with love and kindness at Judas. Even in his betrayal Judas is still loved by Jesus. I feel like Jesus is giving Judas a second chance. Even at this late hour, Judas could still have stopped his plan, he could have saved himself. Could the Crucifixion have still happened? Absolutely! Just maybe in a different way.

Jesus’ reply, “You have said so,” also applies to us. I know in my life there are habitual sins that I promise myself (and God) I will not do again. “Surely not me,” I say, "I can stop, I can do better." With love and kindness Jesus says to me, “You have said so.”

I have said so, and yet I fail again and again. But even in my failures and shortcomings, Jesus still loves me, He wants to give me a second chance (and a third, a fourth, and so on). There is a bit of Judas in all of us. However, our goal is to listen to Jesus and follow His loving example, repent of our faults, and ask for forgiveness.

Ponder:

Where do you need those second chances in your life and are you ready to ask for forgiveness and have a fresh start?

Pray:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the gift of second chances, for the sacrament of Confession, and for Your unwavering love for me. I pray for my will to be conformed to Yours in all things.

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I have said so, and yet I fail again and again. But even in my failures and shortcomings, Jesus still loves me, He wants to give me a second chance (and a third, a fourth, etc.). #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Kerri Baunach

Kerri Baunach lives in Lexington, KY, with her husband and three boys. She’s a Benedictine Oblate with the Archabbey of St. Meinrad in Indiana, homeschools her boys part-time through a hybrid school, and is a former writer and editor at CatholicSistas.com.