Readings:
Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 71:1-6,15,17
John 13:21-33,36-38
We all know when something is about to happen. It is that eerie sound in a movie when someone walks into a dark room. It is the split second when you decide in your mind either to lie or tell the truth. It is the times you tell your parents or loved ones that you are somewhere when you are somewhere else. It is the moments before you go somewhere secluded to watch a video that others must not know. We all know when something is about to happen because our consciences are hard-wired to present us with our options—good or bad, right or wrong.
Jesus alerted his disciples and his would-be betrayer that something sinister was in play. ‘I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me’ (John 13:21). The one who would be guilty has a choice to go ahead or to repent. It was not a case of “someone must do it”. The chief priests had already decided on Jesus’ death—it was only a matter of time. Judas had warped his ability to make a good choice by befriending greed. Yesterday, we were told that he is a thief and “used to help himself to the contributions” (John 12:6). When you normalize wrongful actions, it ultimately becomes your character—one which you will not easily break from.
We continue to struggle with one sin or the other because we lie to ourselves: “It is not that bad. It is not as bad as these other sins”. _My brother and sister in the Lord, it is still a sin. When Jesus handed the piece of bread to Judas, he extended a hand of reconciliation to Him. Judas appeared to receive it but deep down, he still loved his sins. Are you struggling to break up with sin because of the pleasure it gives you? Remember, “Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it” (Matthew 7:13). Nothing good can ever come from a sinful relationship.
Come and recline next to Jesus like the beloved disciple. He understands how difficult it can be to break with sin. Isaiah admits his frustration: “He said to me, ‘You are my servant (Israel) in whom I shall be glorified’; while I was thinking, ‘I have toiled in vain, I have exhausted myself for nothing’; and all the while my cause was with the Lord, my reward with my God” (Isaiah 49:3,4). God knows how difficult it is to break from sin. But He offers you grace. Through Saint Paul, He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
To bid farewell to a life of sin is the best break-up ever:
The first step is to tell yourself the truth.
Then cry to God for help.
Go to confession and the Eucharist.
Return every time you fall.
Refuse to give up because God will never give up on you.
Flee the occasions of sin—persons, places and things.
Keep company with people who want you to be better.
Take solace in prayer and studying God’s word.
Find a confessor and spiritual director.
You will find yourself growing steadily because we only fall forward.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You, I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend priest or pastor.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in baptism/Confirmation, we died with Christ so that we may rise with Him on the last day. Help us, by your grace, to make a complete break from our former way of life and walk in gentleness, humility and patience through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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