Judas betrays Jesus

We adore You O Christ and we praise You (Genuflexion)

R: Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 14:43-49.

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve apostles arrived and with him, there was a crowd with swords and clubs from the chief priests, the scribes and the elders.  Now the betrayer has given them a sign saying,” I will kiss the man, arrest him and take him away under guard”. So when  he came,  he  went  up  to him  at once  and  said, “Rabbi” and  kissed  him.   Then they laid hands on him and arrested him.   But  one of  those who  stood  near  drew  his sword  and  struck  the  slave  of  the  high  priest,  cutting  off  his  ear.   Then  Jesus said  to  them,  ” Have  you  come  out  with  swords  and  clubs  to  arrest  me  as though  I was a bandit? Day  after  day  I was  with  you  at  the  temple  teaching, and you did not arrest me.  But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”

Reflection

The betrayal  kiss  Judas  gave  to  his  Lord  should  fill us  with  terror.   How  come this  apostle  got  such  a  courage  to  commit  such  a  crime.   It was his urge for earthly things that blinded him to the extent that he couldn’t realise what a big mistake he was going to commit.   If we don’t keep an eye on our passions, they deceive us and draw us away from God.

Silence…..Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

Let us pray

All powerful and eternal God,  free  me  from  the  slavery  of my passions  and of my bad habits, take off the spiritual blindness that darkens my intelligence but illuminate my mind so that always and everywhere I remain faithful and loyal to you.  Amen.

•  O my Jesus,  forgive us  our sins, preserve  us  from the  fire of Hell, lead all  souls to Heaven,  especially those in need of Thy mercy.
•  My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and l love You.  I beg pardon for those who do not Believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love you