Today’s Reflection
Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38
April 12, 2022 | Tuesday

Today’s Gospel

After saying this, Jesus was distressed in spirit, and said plainly, “Truly, one of you will betray me.” The disciples then looked at one another, wondering whom he meant. One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining near Jesus; so Simon Peter signaled him to ask Jesus whom he meant.

And the disciple, who was reclining near Jesus, asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “I shall dip a piece of bread in the dish, and he to whom I give it, is the one.”

So Jesus dipped the bread in the dish and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. As Judas took the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus then said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”

None of the others, reclining at the table, understood why Jesus had said this to Judas. As Judas had the common purse, they may have thought that Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or, “Give something to the poor.” Judas left as soon as he had eaten the bread. It was night.

When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. God will glorify him, and he will glorify him very soon.

My children, I am with you for only a little while; you will look for me, but as I already told the Jews, now I tell you: where I am going you cannot come.

Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but afterwards you will.” Peter said, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to give my life for you.” “To give your life for me?” Jesus asked Peter. “Truly I tell you, the cock will not crow, before you have denied me three times.”

Today’s Reflection:

We do not just treat or invite anyone for a meal unless we know them or would like to know them more. To eat at the same table, the same food, or at the same event also implies that there is a possibility for us to get acquainted with each other, because we are affiliated or share something in common. Indeed, eating and conversing together is a sign, or at least an attempt, to establish a closer fellowship. Moreover, Jesus’ description of Judas as someone who eats at the same dip and the same dish with him, depicts their closeness.

The same intimacy that Jesus displays with His betrayer and the rest of the apostles is the same affection that He has for us. He continually anticipates our presence to dine with Him in the Eucharist. It is now up to us if we are going to repay his trust and love with faithfulness or with betrayal. /Vulnerasti, 2022