Betrayed by a friend – Part 2

Good News Reflection
Wednesday of Holy Week
March 31, 2010

Today's Readings:
Isaiah 50:4-9
Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34
Matt 26:14-25
http://www.usccb.org/nab/033110.shtml
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/10_03_31.mp3

Betrayed by a friend – Part 2

We feel most betrayed when it comes from a friend who, like Judas in today's Gospel reading, assures us that they would never hurt us. The fact is, everyone sooner or later betrays us in some way. Anytime our loved ones disappoint us, renege on promises, or refuse to understand the precious truths that we share from our hearts, they betray us.

We can find wisdom and strength for endurance from today's first reading. Although it's a prophecy about the sufferings of Jesus, we can apply it to our own lives and thus unify ourselves with his cross and with his resurrection.

"The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue ... to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them." You have grown in compassion as a result of suffering, and what you have learned you can pass onto others who experience similar trials.

"Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; I have not rebelled" Jesus faced his betrayal with determination and single-minded trust in the Father. You, also, have the same Father God helping you move forward into healing and redemption.

"My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting." How often have you turned the other cheek in imitation of Jesus? God knows how many times you have refused to retaliate against evil with evil, and he appreciates your efforts.

"I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame." By forgiving those who hurt you and by refusing to compromise your moral stand, although others try to shame you, the Father holds you close to his heart.

"He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together." When people oppose you and cause you to suffer, they're also opposing and attacking Jesus. He is at your side, supporting you, healing you, comforting you, and taking the worst of the blows.

Psalm 69 is another prophecy about Jesus that we can use in the same way. Read it as a description of your own life. When we desire and expect people to strengthen us, encourage us, sympathize with us or heal us during our difficulties and pain, we always end up disappointed. Even the most caring friends cannot give us enough of everything that we need. Only God can. Only he can turn our mourning into dancing and joy.

By offering our sufferings to God's plan of redemption, and by turning to him for comfort, we experience the same great love that the Father gave to his Beloved Son. That love is what makes it all doable. That love is what helps us endure. That love is what heals us and resurrects us to a renewed, victorious life.

Note: For many people, praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary helps them through this process of connecting our sufferings to Christ's redemptive suffering, and praying any of the mysteries helps them become more open to the love that heals. At Good News Ministries, we have a Holy Family Rosary that we give freely as a gift of God's love to those who request it. For more information, please visit http://gnm.org/prayers/forparents/rosaries.htm

© 2010 by Terry A. Modica
This work is NOT in Public Domain and may NOT be copied without permission.
You may print one copy for your own personal use.
For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection for sharing, see:
http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm

Seeking a past reflection?
Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.

WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?
To sign up for your own subscription, go to:
http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections


Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?
Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...

Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!

Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.

______________________________________________________________
This is the "Good News Reflections - American Edition" mailing list.
MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:
Change your address
Unsubscribe