During the Last Supper, Jesus dropped a bombshell. "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." (Mk 14:18). That was a shock, and the reaction of the apostles was fast. One by one they said, "Surely it is not I?"
Surely it cannot be any of us who have been privileged to be in his company for years. Surely it cannot be one of us who breaks bread at table as friends and brothers. Surely it cannot be one of us who recognize Jesus as Lord and who love him so much. Surely it cannot be any of us who have gone on mission in his name.
Don't be so sure.
We too, so long in community and in service to Jesus, can betray him and his cause. When we fail to live out our covenant, with no adequate reason. When we do not evangelize even as we are called to do massive evangelization. When we speak against our brethren, especially leaders, thereby weakening the body. When we have factions or our own kingdoms, thereby threatening the unity of the body. When we fail to support our work with the Lord's money entrusted to us, thereby adversely affecting our mission. When we fail to show proper respect and submission to our leaders, the ones appointed by Jesus through other leaders.
You get the drift.
Examine yourself. Really examine yourself. Put yourself under the most stringent cross-examination. Do not justify what you do. And it is not about the other person. It is just about Jesus and you.
"Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, 'Surely it is not I, Rabbi?' He answered, 'You have said so.'" (Mt 26:25). Judas missed his opportunity to repent and change course.
Let it not be the case with us. Rather, let us say, "Yes, it is I, Lord."
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