HOMILY WEDNESDAY of HOLY WEEK
Trust the Father and Follow Jesus
(Is 50:4-9; Ps 69; Mt 26:14-26)
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“Lord, in your great love answer me.”
This psalm response and the readings today invite us to trust in God the Father as Jesus did, and emulate him who was without sin.
Both Isaiah and the psalm reveal prophecies about Jesus fulfilled, in striking detail, like a crescendo, as we approach the Great Triduum.
Today we have the third Servant Song of Isaiah with its memorable images: Jesus is a teacher who sustains us with his Word; he gave his back to blows; he did not hide his face from insult and spitting; he put his complete trust in God.
Psalm 69 is almost the same as Psalm 22, quoted by Jesus on the cross: insults broke his heart; they gave him vinegar to drink, yet in the end, he praises God, magnifies God’s name, is grateful and glad.
Turning to the Gospel we hear an echo of an Old Testament prophecy – Jesus would be betrayed for pieces of silver and hear “his time is near.” This is a fourth reference to his “hour” mentioned in the gospels (after the temptations in the desert, the wedding feast at Cana and the Greeks who want to see him). What is striking here is the one who betrays him “dips his hand in the bowl with him,” which could be receiving communion from him.
Last Supper in the bishop’s residence, St John’s Nfld.
Actually, we all “dip our hands in the bowl with Jesus” whenever we receive communion. And like Judas, we have all betrayed him or will betray him, in one way or another, because we are human.
The good news, however, is that we are all forgiven. As Presentation of Mary sisters Rita Bisson and Raymonde Arcand point out, with whom I ministered for years, we are not so much “sinners who are forgiven,” but rather “good people who have sinned” (fallen short of the mark, or harmatia), and are forgiven.
The fullest meaning of the passion and resurrection is that Jesus has forgiven us fully. He has set us free from sin (that which we do) and sinfulness (that which makes us do it – our painful emotions, negative attitudes and addictions), and ultimately death. All we have to do is to trust as he did in the love of the Father, turn to him for forgiveness, try to follow him by not sinning anymore, and love as he did.
The saints are those who took this message to heart and truly lived it heroically. They are an inspiration to us.
The Eucharist is a living out of these readings. Jesus our teacher is sustaining us with his word. We are dipping our hands in the bowl with Jesus as we receive communion.
We are then commissioned to go and spread the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness through our lives of faith, integrity and love.
What a clear and lovely lessons from Jesus and God taught us over and over again . Do we understand and hear the word of God during celebrations. Yes, I agree with your reflections on dipping your hand or washing your hand before receiving the communions. We are all sinners ; we have to wash away the sins to be able to receive Jesus Christ ( communion) . But, Jesus has forgiven us for our sins every time we are tempted to sins. He has set us free from sins when he died in the cross and save us from being condemned. We are to learn to trust and love him when we have difficulties or any problems we need to be resolved. He will answer our prayers. So. We keep on having forgiveness and unconditional love by deepening our faith with him and towards people. We are to go out to spread the Good News in telling people who is Jesus Christ. Amen. Many Blessings!
Well thanks again for the beautiful reflection about the Passion of Christ and trusting God with all matters . It is quite clear and well written about the readings is all about . Bishop Sylvain Lavoie Take care of yourself.
Today is St. Kateri Takerwitha feast day. Hear our prayers.