Here we are at the Tuesday of Holy Week already. Some of you have probably been very disciplined with your Lenten fasts and expectations; but others of you, like me, may have fallen short over the past few weeks.
Today’s Gospel reminds me that we can love Jesus and have all the best intentions, but we still fall short. Falling short is a mild way of saying we betray Jesus, just as Judas did! What, not me, not you? Yes, we can and do betray Jesus.
Betraying Jesus isn’t only about a dramatic act like Judas Iscariot, it can show up in quiet, everyday choices. Betrayal happens whenever we turn away from what Jesus taught or we fail to live in relationship with Him.
Here are some meaningful ways that can happen:
Through hypocrisy we may show love outwardly but harbor cruelty, pride, or dishonesty inwardly.
By denying Him in our actions we may choose comfort, approval, or fear over faith—like staying silent when we should stand for truth or kindness.
Neglecting our relationship with Him by ignoring prayer, faith, or spiritual growth can slowly distance us. It’s less dramatic, but over time it reflects a turning away.
Choosing sin knowingly that goes against Jesus’ teachings, especially without remorse, can be a direct rejection of His guidance.
Failing to love others, withholding forgiveness, acting with hatred, or ignoring those in need can be a betrayal of His core message.
Putting other things first, such as success, money, status, or even comfort becomes more important than faith or integrity, it can take the place that belongs to God.
Lack of trust when we doubt God’s goodness to the point of turning away or refusing to rely on Him, even in hardship, can also be a form of spiritual betrayal.
Our Hope is in Jesus’ words as he promises we can follow him at the right time. Peter denied Jesus but was restored, while Judas shows us despair without repentance. The difference comes down to turning back with repentance, humility, and trust in mercy. May you find strength in your journey this Holy Week.
Kim Spieker, St. Joseph’s, Pierce
Today’s Gospel reminds me that we can love Jesus and have all the best intentions, but we still fall short. Falling short is a mild way of saying we betray Jesus, just as Judas did! What, not me, not you? Yes, we can and do betray Jesus.
Betraying Jesus isn’t only about a dramatic act like Judas Iscariot, it can show up in quiet, everyday choices. Betrayal happens whenever we turn away from what Jesus taught or we fail to live in relationship with Him.
Here are some meaningful ways that can happen:
Through hypocrisy we may show love outwardly but harbor cruelty, pride, or dishonesty inwardly.
By denying Him in our actions we may choose comfort, approval, or fear over faith—like staying silent when we should stand for truth or kindness.
Neglecting our relationship with Him by ignoring prayer, faith, or spiritual growth can slowly distance us. It’s less dramatic, but over time it reflects a turning away.
Choosing sin knowingly that goes against Jesus’ teachings, especially without remorse, can be a direct rejection of His guidance.
Failing to love others, withholding forgiveness, acting with hatred, or ignoring those in need can be a betrayal of His core message.
Putting other things first, such as success, money, status, or even comfort becomes more important than faith or integrity, it can take the place that belongs to God.
Lack of trust when we doubt God’s goodness to the point of turning away or refusing to rely on Him, even in hardship, can also be a form of spiritual betrayal.
Our Hope is in Jesus’ words as he promises we can follow him at the right time. Peter denied Jesus but was restored, while Judas shows us despair without repentance. The difference comes down to turning back with repentance, humility, and trust in mercy. May you find strength in your journey this Holy Week.
Kim Spieker, St. Joseph’s, Pierce