Reading
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
Matthew 26:14-16 (NRSV)
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Reflection
In some Christian traditions today is known as Spy Wednesday. On this day in Holy Week Judas went to the chief priests of Israel and decided to work as a spy. His only mission was to betray Jesus so that he could be arrested and taken away. We may find this episode horrifying and think that we would never betray our Lord and stop his mission of saving love in its tracks. No, we are much more subtle than Judas, yet each one of us finds it convenient at times to forget our Lord and ignore his call on our lives. We are not spies secretly trying to derail Jesus’ mission, rather we at times become secret followers when if feels convenient or expedient. Today is a good day to say sorry for the small betrayals that trip us up from time time. In the remembering our failings before God how good it is to know we stand forgiven. We are forgiven because that first betrayal by Judas started a series of events that opened wide the gates of heaven for all who follow Jesus in every age to come.
Spiritual Exercise
Your to-do for today: Think about the people you find most difficult to get along with. The ones who drive you crazy, sapping all your strength and energy. As you think about them remember that we are called to love our neighbours as ourselves. Having though about these difficult people take 5 minutes to pray for them and your attitude towards them.
Music
Have a listen to these two songs as you think about the real cost of being a disciple:
Digging Deeper
Want to spend a little time digging into this series?
Church of England Daily Prayer.
Church of England Lent: LiveLent: God’s Story, Our Story
Link to St Andrews online Services.
