Loading...Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Isaiah 50:4-9a; ; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32
Throughout the telling of the events of the Passion recorded in John's gospel, it is made clear that God is in control. Nothing takes place that is not ordained by God; indeed, each step glorifies the Son of Man, and God is glorified in him.
The act of offering a morsel of bread to a guest is a sign of hospitality, affection and esteem. Judas is unable to return the affection, and it is almost as if Jesus blesses him or commissions him to carry out his betrayal.
In contrast to Judas, we encounter the "Beloved Disciple," never clearly identified, though thought by many to be John. Jesus also offers this disciple hospitality, affection and esteem by placing him at the seat of honor at the meal, and in contrast to Judas, the Beloved Disciple accepts. Judas represents the powers of darkness and unbelief that oppose Jesus, and the Beloved Disciple stands for all faithful disciples.
Through Baptism, we are made Beloved Disciples. At every Eucharist, we are given a place of honor and offered hospitality, affection and esteem. As we face the temptation of darkness, let us always "consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that [we] may not grow weary or lose heart."
Hymn 327 Draw Nigh and Take the Body of the Lord
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
