Our Fall Cannot Defeat God's Love

April 13, Wednesday of the Holy Week
Daily Readings:  Isaiah 50: 4 – 9a, Matthew 26:14 –25

As Jesus was preparing for the pinnacle of his missionary work toward the end of Lent, his mind, heart, and soul were all focused on his disciples' Easter celebration. Meanwhile, Judas Iscariot spoke with the priests, inquiring as to what they would offer him in exchange for Jesus' surrender. Jesus foresaw what would occur. He was distressed by Judas Iscariot's attitude.

Despite this, Jesus continued to celebrate Easter with his followers, one of whom was Judas.

He publicly announced, "Behold, one of you will betray me." The disciples' hearts were broken by the news that last night's banquet had been a banquet of sorrow rather than joy.

What message does today's gospel have for us? Even if our experiences have been wrong, we should not take a shortcut as Judas did. Do not be like Judas, who took a shortcut even though his heart and mind were utterly different from everyone else's.

Judas had committed two heinous crimes: betraying Jesus and murdering himself. He sold Jesus and then committed suicide. If we have been disappointed and fallen into sin, we must repent and return to God. Keep St. Peter in mind because he denied Jesus in a difficult situation. However, he later regretted it and resolved to join the apostles. God continued to accept Peter and appointed him as the leader of the Early Church. God will always forgive us, no matter how big our mistakes and sins are, if we return to God with contrition and repentance. Our fall and evil cannot thwart God's love.

Along with Our Lady, we pray: Lord, remind us to always be faithful and obedient to Your will so that we, too, may eventually unite and experience happiness and salvation in Your kingdom. Amen.