Devotion 

One of You Will Betray Me

Frances Taylor 

Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied him and the rest ran away. I don't know what I would have done in their situation but I'm glad I will never find out in such a dramatic fashion. However, when I have sinned, I have betrayed him. When I have not stood up for my faith, I have denied him, and when I walk away from situations and allow others to suffer because I did not act, I have run away. Holy Week gives us an opportunity once again to reread the Passion of Christ and reflect on what happened then, and what is happening now. Would I have been part of the crowd crying out for crucifixion? Would I have had the courage to stand at the foot of the cross? I think back over the times I have failed to do what I know is right, when I have acted in an unkind and sinful manner. At these times, I am in that raucous crowd, I am asking for crucifixion. I ask forgiveness for my sins of the past that Jesus bore on that cross for me. Once again, I pray that I will make better decisions in the year to come.

Prayer 

Father forgive me for the burden I placed on your Son, Jesus,' shoulders. Give me the graces I need to do a more loving job in the year to come. Amen.