Today's readings: April 6, 2009
Reading One: Is 42:1-7;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14 ;
Gospel: Jn 12:1-11;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
When people are about to do things they are ashamed of, like how Judas yells at Mary, Lazarus' sister because she is putting perfumed nard on Jesus' hair and washing his feet, Judas yells at her saying that this money could have been saved for the poor. But today we learn of his real motivation - Judas was dipping in the money bag and getting stuff for himself. Often times, when we are so angry at others, we are really angry with ourselves.
Yet we all make mistakes - as we are all sinners. The important thing is to look at our response to our foolishness - how we react to our own sinfulness. Peter denied Jesus three times, and felt so terrible, he wept. In Peter's weakness - God gave Peter great strength. Read the Acts of the Apostles after Easter and see how Peter is totally different man. He won't deny who Jesus is, and furthermore - you will see how Peter becomes a man of great courage, as God gave him the strength to become brave. Contrast the reaction of Judas to his sinfulness. He falls into despair, because he cannot allow himself to reach out to God in his moment of darkness. Judas does not turn to God asking for mercy - he wallows in his despair and ultimately, takes his own life. Judas refuses to acknowledge God's greatness and has no understanding of God's mercy. Perhaps the saddest part about Judas, is that he might have become a great saint - if only he trusted more in God than his own opinion.
