Duc in Altum

In today's Gospel, we have Matthew's account (26:14-25) of when Jesus identified Judas as His betrayer. Bishop Sheen, in his Life of Christ, makes the point that what Jesus was also doing was offering Judas an opportunity to turn from what he planned to do. When Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me", each of the disciples asked, "Is it I, Lord?", but only one disciple knew that he planned to betray Jesus.

Jesus replies that it will be one who has dipped his hand in the bowl with Him. During the meal, all would have done that. Eating together is a sign of friendship. Jesus is indicating that the one who would betray him would be a friend. He also seeks to remind Judas of His desire for Judas' friendship. As Bishop Sheen notes, Jesus must have loved Judas much in order that his sin was not known by the other disciples. Finally, Jesus offers a warning to Judas of the gravity of what he is about to do.

I cannot help thinking of the times when I have betrayed the Lord. Often it has been silently because I did not speak up when I should have. Is it I, Lord? Yes.