John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reflection

At the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples one of them will betray him. John asks who it is, and Jesus gives a morsel to Judas; whereafter, Satan enters him and Jesus tells him to do what he is going to do quickly. Jesus says once again the disciples cannot follow where he is going, and tells Peter that he will deny him three times before the cock crows.

Jesus reveals his betrayer, Judas, by sharing a morsel of food with him. Yet the Lord still allows Judas to go out and commit the evil act. He does not stop him or force him to stop. Jesus lets us turn away from him if we choose. He doesn’t hold us back against our will. Of course, we should strive to stay close to the Lord, but our sinfulness turns us away from him almost daily.

Reflect on how you turn away from the Lord, and how you can come back to him. He is always waiting with open arms for us to return. He will never push you away.

Saint of the Day

St. Paternus: lived in the 500s

“God speaks in silence and strengthens us in service—if only we are willing to listen and obey.”   St. Paternus