Apr
17
2019
By Anonymous (not verified)
The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Readings: Is 50:4-9A; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34; Mt 26:14-25
Diary: 97, 429, 440
"One of you will betray me." - Mt 26:21
The disciples had done everything Jesus had asked to prepare for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, that is, Passover. After all their preparations were done and they were eating together, Jesus announces, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me" (Mt 26:21).
What a painful announcement for His disciples to hear on a feast day! They are "deeply distressed" by His revelation (see Mt 26:22). Why would Jesus tell them this news now, of all times?
God's plan works even through those with evil intent. Do you recall that the chief priests didn't want to arrest Jesus during the feast days because of the crowds? Judas, however, gives them an opportunity to capture Jesus in private - thus making Jesus the sacrificial lamb by whose blood we are saved. He is our Paschal Lamb, our Passover. Judas and the chief priests unwittingly advance God's plan for salvation.
Prayer: My Lord, I never want to betray You, but I trust that You can use me - a weak sinner - to accomplish Your will.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
Readings: Is 50:4-9A; Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34; Mt 26:14-25
Diary: 97, 429, 440
"One of you will betray me." - Mt 26:21
The disciples had done everything Jesus had asked to prepare for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, that is, Passover. After all their preparations were done and they were eating together, Jesus announces, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me" (Mt 26:21).
What a painful announcement for His disciples to hear on a feast day! They are "deeply distressed" by His revelation (see Mt 26:22). Why would Jesus tell them this news now, of all times?
God's plan works even through those with evil intent. Do you recall that the chief priests didn't want to arrest Jesus during the feast days because of the crowds? Judas, however, gives them an opportunity to capture Jesus in private - thus making Jesus the sacrificial lamb by whose blood we are saved. He is our Paschal Lamb, our Passover. Judas and the chief priests unwittingly advance God's plan for salvation.
Prayer: My Lord, I never want to betray You, but I trust that You can use me - a weak sinner - to accomplish Your will.
Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.
ddburg
