Daily Reflection
April 1, 2026

A blessed holy week to all. Today is the last day before the Triduum begins, so I look to these readings for a final preparation before we witness a great sacrifice and glorious resurrection in the coming days. But, before we get to the resurrection, we must endure the sacrifice. I asked myself how I wanted to prepare for the celebration this year, and I thought I would put myself in Jesus’ shoes. If I were Him, what would I be feeling toward Judas, toward God, and toward the people of the earth?

When I examine the events surrounding Judas, I ask myself: If I knew someone would betray me, would I keep them in my company? Feed them at my table? Treat them with respect? Despite knowing all Judas will do and what it will mean for Him, Jesus acts no differently toward Judas and does nothing to stop the tragic outcome. I think most people would prefer to avoid being hurt if given the choice. I know I would, especially if the betrayal was going to come from such a close friend, as it does in today’s scripture. I think it is important to emphasize that Judas was an intimate friend of Jesus who chose money over his friend’s life. This was no trivial incident. And yet, Jesus responds with what I can only describe as radical love. What else could be the motivation to fight the baser feelings of frustration, hurt, helplessness, and instead be respectful and await what is coming? There is an element of struggle, of course; Jesus does ask His father to take the cup from him. But ultimately, He is obedient to the Father unto His death. When faced with such struggle myself, can I turn to the Father and trust in His plan? Can I respond with love when my humanity wants to respond with hate?

There is a message in Jesus’ words and actions in that scripture. Jesus then says to the Father “Not of My will, But Your will be done.” In this I find strength. Not simply a reminder that we must trust in God’s will over our own, but also in Jesus’ actions up to and even after this point toward Judas. While Jesus mentions the pain this betrayal will also bring to Judas, and while Judas will not be among those who watch over Jesus in His final hours, Jesus is still careful to treat him with respect to the last interaction. This reminds me that while we rarely can stop others from hurting us, and while torment, pain, or betrayal may still mean that we keep those who have hurt us at a safe distance, we must still strive to treat those with respect, and if possible, love. For all have a part to play in our lives, for better or for worse. But if we can trust in our Father’s will over our own, we can hopefully strive to maintain the viewpoint of “I cannot control what others do unto me, but I can control what I do unto others.”

Finally, I will mention that in our endeavors to emulate a Christ-like love we will always fall short, because we are human. We betray Jesus with our sin, but we have a choice to make. Will we live in shame and denial, as Judas did or will we seek repentance, continually stive for more, and always look to accept the endless love God has for us? I think of Peter, who betrayed Jesus when he denied Him three times, but chose the second path, and is now revered as Saint and the first pope of the Catholic Church.

As we approach Easter, I pray that we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Help us to be like Peter, who sought the Lord’s forgiveness and accepted the gift of His mercy. May we trust in our Father’s most difficult plans for us, and be filled with the patience and love required to respect those who hurt us along the way, just as Jesus did with Judas.