Surely Not I

​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

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​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).

“Surely, it is not I.” 

This frustrates me so much. Judas is such a jerk. He We know how this story ends. Judas, despite his claims is the one to betray Jesus. Jesus knows this and still continues to have dinner with him. He acknowledges him, sees him and doesn’t call him out or question him. 

Why? Because Jesus loves him. He is choosing to die for Judas, knowing that Judas will betray him. 
But still, I get so mad at Judas. 

Yet, am I any different? How often do I turn away from Jesus and blatantly choose to sin? All. The. Time. I will bring up someone in conversation, just so I can gossip about them. I will take my anger out on my mom, just because she asked me a question. I will insist I know the “right way” to do things, letting my pride lead. I will choose to let Netflix start another episode and then rush through my prayer time. And so much more. And I am going to bet, you are probably the same way sometimes. 

Yet, I find myself saying, “surely, it is not I.” I try and reason my way out of sin. I act surprised to find myself gossiping or neglecting my prayer time. And Jesus sees this. But He doesn’t call me out, shame me, make me leave the table. Instead, He opened His arms on the cross and He offers me His mercy. 

When I get mad at Judas, I really need to take a good look in the mirror at myself. Where am I turning my back to the Lord?

Lent is over, and the Triduum is about to begin. Enter in to His passion this year, and thank Jesus that even though it is you who have chosen to sin, He still died on the cross for you. 

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​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.
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Where am I turning my back to the Lord?

How will I turn towards Christ in the Easter Triduum?

​How will I thank Jesus for dying for me?

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​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.
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"You love me anyway."

"You chose to die for me."

"Have mercy on me, Lord."

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​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?
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Make a conscious effort to acknowledge the ways you have turned your back on God, and reorient your heart towards God in preparation for the Easter Triduum.

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​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.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Lisa Kendzior, Junior High Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, 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.