A Few Words On "The Word"

April 1, 2007
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, Year C

Luke 19:28-40
Luke 22:14-23:56

Our Betrayal

Betrayal - it's a strong word. The dictionary defines it as a failure or desertion of someone or something in a special time of need. Those who betray others are usually labeled as traitors and throughout history have received a particularly harsh judgment. Brutus betrayed and murdered Julius Caesar, Benedict Arnold planned to betray our country, and Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus.

I'm sure you've experienced some betrayal of your own. You may have had a friend who didn't keep your secret. In fact, there may have been a time when you were the traitor, turning your back on a friend or family member when they needed your support the most.

Betrayal causes a pretty big problem in our relationships with other people. It symbolizes a loss of trust and confidence that our friends once had in us and thus hurts more than other pain we may cause our friends.

Betrayal plays a pretty big role in the readings today. Days after witnessing his triumphal arrival at Jerusalem where he essentially proclaims he is the messiah, Jesus is betrayed by those closest to him. Judas betrays Jesus and turns him over to the Jewish authorities for just a few pieces of silver. Hours later, Peter betrays Jesus by denying that he even knows who Jesus is.

How do you think Jesus felt after being betrayed by those closest to him? Even though he saw it coming, Jesus seems to accept the reality of his approaching death. Jesus was fully human and no doubt felt abandoned by his friends.

A few days ago as I was crossing a street I noticed a man in a wheelchair in front of me. He was feebly pushing the wheels of his chair slowly across to the other curb. As I approached him from behind the thought crossed my mind to help him, to simply grab the handles on the back of his chair and push him smoothly across the intersection. For some reason I didn't. I was afraid he would be insulted. I was afraid of what people might think. In not even offering to help the man in the wheelchair I betrayed Jesus, just like Judas and Peter.

Through our baptism we have a made a commitment as Christians to serve others and be faithful to what Jesus asks of us. Fear wouldn't have stopped Jesus from helping the man across the street. In fact, he probably would've picked the man up out of the wheelchair and carried him across.

We are faced with the choice to betray and deny Jesus every day. We overlook the needs of those around us and, sometimes, blatantly deny our relationship with Christ. As humans we have a desire to be accepted which can sometimes get in the way of our commitment to God's kingdom. But we need to remember that the grace of the Holy Spirit works despite our inadequacies. Betrayal is a reality, but it's also a chance to turn back to Christ who so obviously shows himself to be our Savior, Messiah, and friend.

Reflection Question

In what ways do you betray you friendship with Jesus in both word and action?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!