Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9, Ps. 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34, Matthew 26:14-25
“So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified.’” (John 13:30-31)
- On Monday of Holy Week, we reflected on the existence of two camps: the few on the side of Jesus and the majority against Jesus. Yesterday, we examined the various stages of betrayal, showing how, even today, we often fall into the camp of betrayal like Judas Iscariot and Peter. Today, we shall answer this question: What does it mean to be on the side of Jesus? In other words, how do we stay on Jesus’ side when it seems everyone else is against Jesus?
1. Make Plans for Jesus: Jesus’ disciples asked him about the plan for the coming Passover so they could prepare. This tiny yet important detail speaks volumes. We plan for everything in our lives, but hardly make plans for spiritual activities such as daily prayer, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, acts of charity, etc. You hardly do what you don’t plan for. Also, without preparation, you never do it properly. Spiritual creativity begins with planning your days with Jesus. Like Jesus’ disciples, ask Him about His plans for your spiritual growth.
2. Be Obedient to Jesus: Spiritual Creativity is obedience to that tiny voice of conscience within us. It is following God’s commandments regardless of what society thinks. It is doing God’s will without questioning or arguing. The fact that the disciples were asking shows they had not used this room before. They did not even know what to expect, but they obeyed. Obedience requires trust in God and faith; even if I don’t understand why God is asking me to do this and I don’t know what I would find, I would follow the instructions.
3. Be Generous to Jesus, allow Him to Occupy Your Space: Matthew does not tell us about the person in whose house Jesus ate the Passover, but Mark and Luke provide more details: “He sent two of his disciples, and said to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the householder, The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples? And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there, prepare for us.” (Mark 14:13-15 & Luke 22:10-12). This person was wealthy, but the good news is that you don’t have to be rich to allow Jesus to occupy at least one room (or one corner) in your house.
4. Work for Jesus: With social media today, Jesus might not need a large upper room for the Passover. Instead, Jesus would need your online space. Some of us have millions of followers, and our posts go viral, but Jesus is not welcome in our social media space. We make much money from posts unrelated to our faith or even by luring people into sin. How about your dress sense? Can people see you and immediately think about Jesus?
- Spiritual creativity is not a luxury; it is the essence of our faith. Either I am winning for Jesus or betraying (denying) him. As Isaiah sings in today’s first reading, Jesus is silent; he does not turn backwards, but He gives His back to those who strike Him and His cheeks to those who pull out His beard. He does not hide His face from shame and spitting. Nevertheless, Jesus said: “Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us use our gifts, talents and resources to promote your kingdom on earth. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of Holy Week, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 50:4-9, Ps. 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34, Matthew 26:14-25).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu