Spy Wednesday: Judas agrees to betray Jesus

MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Few things do as much damage in our spirits as betrayal whether it is communal or personal. In espionage, thousands of lives can be effected, and perhaps even the whole course of the war can be changed, by the act of one well-placed traitor. In romance, a lover’s betrayal can bring great sadness, ruin, and even suicide. In business, someone sells a secret formula and the company can be destroyed.

How does this happen? Well most of us well know that it is our friends not our enemies who are in the best position to bring about our downfall. The friend has the knowledge, the experience, and the trust to accomplish what massive assaults by outsiders often can’t. This is what Jesus had to contend with on Spy Wednesday, knowing what Judas was off doing. What Judas set off amidst his own disappointment in Jesus was events such as torture; accusations;; being at the mercy of an enemy who has no mercy; and in the end, a barbarous execution. Sadly, it all started with a kiss from a friend and follower, from the one entrusted with their money, The truth is: Jesus was betrayed. That is the hard truth. There is another hard truth that on this day we must feel some part of the bitterness Jesus got, and know that we each did our part to bring it about.

PRAYER OF THE DAY: O Lord Please help me this day as I struggle to see how I have betrayed you and caused the cross to be taken up. Please give me the grace to resist the temptation from the power of the one who wants only to destroy my love and trust in you. Help me to be humble and accepting who you are and not betray you because of who I want you to be. Save me, Lord. Only you can save me. Amen

Spy Wednesday Discipline – Today is the day to reach out and make amends in justice and compassion with those you have betrayed or wronged in thought, word or deed. Conversely, it also the day that those who are being engaged for reconciliation be open to it.

Taken from Anglican Mainstream