Date: April 7, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: IS 49:1-6; Gospel: JN 13:21-33, 36-38 |

Series:

May we pay attention to the reminders of the light before we know, it’s too late.

So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now none of those reclining at the table realized why he said this to him.

There is an inscription I commonly saw on passenger jeepneys in the Philippines that reads: “GOD knows, JUDAS not pay.” In my home country, some drivers of passenger vehicles do not have fare-collectors so that they only have to trust in the honesty of the passengers.

There is truth behind this catchphrase. Indeed, God knows what is inside our hearts. God knows our deepest secrets.

I was thinking when Jesus told Judas “to do what he was going to do”, it was not at all to encourage him to do the betrayal. It was Jesus trying to let Judas realize that the Lord already knew his dark plans. We can’t hide from the Lord, that is why even there was no hint that Judas had dark plans, the Lord was already deeply troubled. May we then realize that whenever we start making wicked plans, the Lord from above is already starting to get hurt. The Lord will begin to be troubled.

How could we do this to the Lord - to Him who knew nothing but loves us and provides us with what sustains our lives every day?

In his daily reflection, Bishop Barron reminds us: “Those of us who regularly gather around the table of intimacy with Christ and yet engage consistently in the works of darkness are meant to see ourselves in the betrayer.”

But nevertheless, even Judas despite the darkness in his mind was still jolted by the Lord by letting him know Jesus was not ignorant of his plans. So that by realizing it, Judas may not pursue his evil intents. God still initiates the last-minute-move to save us from sin. May we pay attention to the reminders of the light before we know, it’s too late.