PRAYER / Lenten Reflection 2005 Wednesday, March 23, 2005

In yesterday’s gospel the friends of Jesus were "uncertain," but today in Matthew’s account they "became greatly distressed." Jesus responds: "It would have been better had that one (the betrayer) not been born." That statement distresses modern day friends of Jesus. Did God "use" Judas, a pawn in the events which lead to the cross? Not at all! God did not create Judas weak or evil. God created him, like all of us, with a free will. God hates what Judas does, as God hates how we betray our brothers and sisters, handing them over to the powers of poverty, hunger, greed.  God would never "use" a person. God did not need Jesus to be betrayed, tortured or crucified. God needed Jesus to be faithful to the good news, to his mission of proclaiming God’s unconditional love. Judas probably couldn’t take that in.

Can you take in the good news of God’s unconditional, extravagant, faithful, steady love -- for you? If you can, bask in that warmth. If you cannot, repeat frequently today: "I believe that you love me; help my unbelief."

Reshape our hearts, Creator God, so that we not only believe but hand on the good news of your faithful, steady and unconditional love. Make us instruments of your love.

Contributor: Sister Rea McDonnell

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