Tuesday of Holy Week
Reading and Reflection
In the first reading Isaiah tells of how the Lord called him from birth, protected him and made him his servant. However, the Lord had a purpose and it was: “...to raise the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel”. To that end the Lord said: “I will make you a light to the nation, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth”.
In the Responsorial Psalm we sing of the Lord’s salvation. The verses are a prayer calling out to the Lord for our salvation, our deliverance. We acknowledge that the Lord is our rock and our fortress. We place our trust and hope in the Lord and we proclaim his wondrous deeds.
The Gospel for this Tuesday of Holy Week recounts the betrayal of both Peter and Judas.
Reflection: I believe I am a lot like Peter. I am ready and willing to go forth in the name of the Lord, yet, there are many times when my weakness overtakes me and, like Peter, I stand back, hidden in the shadows instead of coming forth and shinning my light to distill the darkness. I need to pray more fervently to the Holy Spirit to strengthen my resolve to walk steadfastly with Jesus.
Judas Iscariot is another matter. In him we see a person that is conniving, calculating and deliberate in his resolve to turn the Master over to be crucified; and for what? For thirty pieces of silver! Judas is being led by the devil, his sins – greed and pride.
While both men weep after their respective deeds, Peter weeps because he has hurt the one that has done nothing but love him. Peter is repentant and comes back stronger than before in his resolve to be a disciple of Jesus. He is so strengthened by Jesus that he calls him to become the “Rock” and, upon this rock, Jesus built his Church. Peter also died on the cross for his faith.
Judas’ greed led him to hand Jesus over and his pride led him to despair. He could not trust that Jesus could forgive him his sin of betrayal. Pride and despair led him to take his own life.
In light of all I understand from these readings I conclude with the following prayer of
St. Thomas Aquinas.
"Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart which no unworthy thought
can drag downwards; an unconquered heart which no tribulation
can wear out; an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may
tempt aside. Bestow upon me also, O Lord my God, understanding
to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a
Faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ,
Our Lord." LB
Today let us pray for St. James Parish and the
Pastoral Staff.
