WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.

When the Easter Triduum starts tomorrow, you’ll have three whole days to ponder and read through the story of Jesus’ passion and death. In fact, you can begin with today’s Gospel. And what better way to reflect on these readings than to place yourself right in the middle of the action?

Start by asking God to be with you in your reflection. If you can, close your eyes and try to imagine the sights, sounds, or even smells of the scene as you join the apostles at the Last Supper. Read through the passage slowly, and stop whenever something stands out to you. Stay with it for a while; there’s no need to rush. Ask God to help you come to know Jesus better as you spend time with his word.

Imagine yourself at that table with Jesus. You have been close to him, traveling with him, learning from him, and seeing him perform all kinds of miracles. You’ve shared countless meals with him. And now you’re excited to celebrate the Passover with him and the other apostles. But during the meal, Jesus looks around the table with sadness and says, “One of you will betray me” (Matthew 26:21). You inhale sharply and look around.

It could be any one of you at the table. No wonder you and the others are perplexed. Soon everyone, including you, is asking, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:22). No one stands out as the obvious betrayer. You examine your heart to consider the tension between loyalty to Jesus and your own self-interest. While you want to reject the possibility that you would betray him, you know that your faith isn’t as strong as it could be.

What do you think the Lord is showing you in this scene? Did anything stand out to you? Speak to him about it and resolve to hold onto it throughout the day.

Contemplating the Scriptures in this way can help you see the events of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection with fresh eyes. It can draw you into a deeper love for him and a greater gratitude for all he endured for you.

“Lord, let your word lead me closer to you!”

Isaiah 50:4-9
Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34
Matthew 26:14-25