Finding comfort and healing after betrayal

My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionTuesday of Holy WeekApril 7, 2009
Today's Readings:Isaiah 49:1-6Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17John 13:21-33, 36-38http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/040709.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_04_07.mp3
Finding comfort and healing after betrayal
In today's first reading, which lines of scripture bring you comfort?
If you ever felt unwanted, undervalued, or rejected as a child, God's comforting embrace is in the words: "From my mother's womb, the Lord gave me my name."
If your plans, dreams and hard work have been crushed or overlooked or rejected, you will find encouragement and affirmation in the words: "Though it seems I have toiled in vain and uselessly spent my strength, nonetheless my reward is with the Lord."
If you have been treated unjustly or your gifts and talents and insights have been blocked or considered worthless by others, you will find your value in the words: "I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is now my strength!"
In all of these situations, we have experienced betrayal.
God puts certain people into our lives to nurture us and uplift us, but all have betrayed us in one way or another, at one time or another.
Some are major betrayals from which there is no recovery on this side of heaven. We should always pray for healing and reconciliation and do whatever we can to bring God's love into that relationship, but if we want to be true followers of Christ, we need to also accept these betrayals in the same way that Jesus did in today's Gospel reading.
Jesus knew today's hymn from Isaiah. Undoubtedly, he recalled it to gain comfort and strength as he faced his betrayers.
The only way to find rest in the loving, soothing, comforting embrace of our Father is by looking at Jesus instead of focusing on what our betrayers should and should not have done. He knows how we feel. He is experiencing the betrayal with us!
In his concern for us, we find deep healing and renewed peace.
Take a step closer to the cross of Christ: Accept your betrayals as an intimate connection to Jesus. Let go of them by nailing them to his cross. Then turn away from their ugliness by making the decision to forgive your betrayers. Thank Jesus for taking your pain upon himself. Kiss his wounds the next time you receive him in the Eucharist by kissing the Host. This will be the beginning of your own personal resurrection!
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