Day 37 of Lent Wednesday April 16th 2025
Day 37 of Lent – Remaining Faithful
Matthew 26: 14-16 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
Today, we find ourselves at the threshold of the Sacred Triduum, a time when the Church invites us to journey closely with Christ in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. On this day, often referred to as “Spy Wednesday,” the Gospel draws our attention to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. It is a moment of profound sadness, as one of the Twelve—someone who walked with Jesus, heard His teachings, and witnessed His miracles—chooses to hand Him over for thirty pieces of silver.
This betrayal calls us to examine our own hearts. Are there moments when we have turned away from Christ for the sake of worldly gain, convenience, or fear? Have we, like Judas, allowed our relationship with Jesus to become transactional rather than transformational?
Yet, even in the face of betrayal, Jesus remains steadfast in His love. He shares the Last Supper with Judas, washes his feet, and offers him the same invitation to grace as the other disciples. This reveals the boundless mercy of God, who continually reaches out to us, even when we fall short.
As we reflect on this day, let us ask for the grace to remain faithful to Christ, especially in moments of trial and temptation. May we also remember that His mercy is always greater than our sins and that He calls us to return to Him with open hearts.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we remember the betrayal You endured, help us to recognize the ways we have failed to love You fully. Strengthen our resolve to follow You with fidelity and courage. May Your example of mercy inspire us to forgive others and seek reconciliation. Prepare our hearts to journey with You through the suffering of the Cross, so that we may one day share in the joy of Your Resurrection. Amen.