Psalm 36:5-11
• Isaiah 42:1-9 •
Hebrews 9:11-15 • John 12:1-11
The
readings today led me to think of Judas. Jesus rebuked him for important
reasons and often we dismiss him in this story to focus on Mary, Martha,
Lazarus, and Jesus. Is it possible that we are sometimes like Judas? I’d like
to ask you to think past the portrayal as thief and think of it as though his
suggestion was to genuinely benefit the poor. His timing was lousy but imagine
just for a moment that his motives were not to fill his own pockets.
I’m
thinking of a fellow that could just be making an altruistic suggestion then
walking away from the situation for someone else to work out the details. Maybe
this fellow sounds like a colleague of yours, a friend, or a sibling. You know,
that person loaded with one noble suggestion after another who doesn’t quite know
or care about the underpinnings involved.
It
is easier for me to make sense of Judas by taking him out of context than
comprehending his heinous behavior during that moment in Mary and Jesus’
relationship. I can think of examples when I’ve been quick to suggest the high
road when I may not be so good at following my own advice if the tables were
turned.
It
is here where our reading of today’s Psalm, the book of Isaiah, and the letter
to the Hebrews may bring some solace. In closing, I offer a prayer using
elements of today’s other readings.
Oh Lord, we open our hearts and
minds to our eternal redemption and your glory. May our faith guide us to a
consciousness purified by Jesus. May we find freedom in our hardships. May we
open our eyes to love and our ears to your quiet voice. May we humbly discern
your appeal for justice and righteousness through our fellowship with the Holy
Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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