Betrayal

​Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Matthew 26:14-25

---

​Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).
​
Tomorrow marks the night when our Savior will be betrayed by one of his closest followers, Judas, shortly following the Last Supper. As I read about Judas, in today’s Gospel, agreeing to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver, I feel shocked that Judas found thirty pieces of silver to be more valuable than his friendship with Jesus. A mere thirty pieces of silver was all it took. And then, if that wasn’t bad enough, he straight-up lies to Jesus’ face and pretends to be all innocent! 

While Jesus never has and never will betray us, he certainly knew what it was like to be betrayed, to be deceived, to be lied to. We have all experienced it ourselves, and that is why Judas’ actions cause us to cringe and make us uncomfortable. And yet we have to recognize the ways that we too have betrayed the Lord and compromised in our relationship with Jesus.

When we truly encounter Jesus and allow Him to transform our lives, we realize that there is nothing more valuable than a relationship with Him. That realization does not mean that we will never sin or fail again, but it does give us a reason to keep on repenting and returning to God. 

During this time, we have to draw near to Jesus, as He draws near to us. This time, this week, may we choose to remain with Christ, by his side, through thick and thin. It may not be easy, but it is certainly invaluable.

---

​Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.
​
When have I betrayed Jesus? Where have I been compromising in my relationship with Him?

What do I truly value?

How will I remain close to Jesus this week?

---

​Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.
​
"Return to God."

"You are worth more."

"Transform my heart."

---

​Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

​In this difficult time, we will use our Action step each day to join with people around the world in praying for an end to the pandemic of the Coronavirus, for the healing of all those affected, and for the comfort of all those who have lost a loved one. The prayer below is from Archbishop José H. Gomez, President of the USCCB in his reflection and prayer during coronavirus:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.
​
Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

---

​Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

---

Today's prayer was prepared by Maggie Super, Director of Youth Ministry at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL. 

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.