Tuesday of Holy Week

April 16, 2019

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-6

Psalm: 71

Second Reading:

Gospel reading according to John 13: 21-33, 36-38

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Homily

During the Passover supper, Jesus while reclining at table with his disciple was very sad, anxious and bothered of what is coming ahead.  Something was keeping him to reveal to his disciples of the formerly known facts of what will happen to him this night.  But he has to say it and to tell his disciples what he was going through.  “Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’. . . “ (John 13: 21).  On the one hand, one of his disciples will betray him tonight.  Jesus revealed to all his disciples present in that Upper Room or Cenacle what will happen to him tonight.  One of them will deceive him, betray and turn over him to the authorities in exchange for money.   Although it was very hard and painful for him that one of his friends will let him down, give him up and betray,  he has to announce it before it happens. 

On the other hand, another disciple will show his affection and love to Jesus.  “One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side” (John 13: 23).  This disciple whom Jesus loved, named John, allowed him to recline on his chest (sumandig at humimlay sa kanyang dibdib).  This shows close and intimate friendship, though very seldom a man leans on to another man’s chest or breast or shoulder.  It has no other meaning except a true friendship.

Another disciple, Simon, also an added name was given to him, Peter (meaning rock), made a sign to the beloved disciple (John) who rested to Jesus’ breast  “So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant” (John 13: 24).  He wanted to ask through him who Jesus was referring to as one of them who will betray him.  They are worried because someone penetrated their group with bad motive or intention, despite they have different backgrounds and personalities but they believe of having one motive or intention – to bring the Kingdom of justice, peace and love to all peoples and not to betray each and every one.

The disciple whom Jesus loved followed what Simon Peter signaled for they would like to know he whom was referring of Jesus to betray him.  “He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, ‘Master, who is it’?” (John 13: 25).  Again, he placed his head to Jesus’ chest and asked him, for everybody was eager to discover who it is.

Jesus just gave a hint for he did not want to put to shame and spotlight that disciple who will betray him. “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it. So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot” (John 13: 26).  Jesus indicating that disciple using the morsel of bread they were sharing at table.  He took fragment of that bread, dipped it on wine and gave it to Judas Iscariot.  Jesus knew beforehand who will betray (ipagkakanulo) him, it was Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot.

Judas received and accepted the morsel of bread dipped in wine.  He knew that Jesus knew his plan.  He understood very well the role he will perform in the life and death of Jesus.  “After he took the morsel, Satan entered him.  So Jesus said to him, ‘What you are going to do, do quickly.’ . . .”  John 13: 27).  Satan took all the chances and opportunity even Jesus’ disciples he used to tempt Jesus.  So, Satan entered freely to Judas’ mind and body to use in executing his plan.  Jesus told Judas to do his evil plan quickly, as if Jesus can no longer wait a little longer time.  He was ready to offer his self for God’s sake

This is the darkest moment in the history of mankind where the Son of Man will be put to death by a man, a disciple and a friend.  “So he took the morsel and left at once.  And it was night” (John 13: 30).  He took the morsel and left and went to the chief priests, to the Sanhedrin, to sell his Master and Teacher, the Son of the living God, the Messiah, the Christ, the King not only of the Jews but of all humankind.  The Son of God and the Son of Man will die because of a betrayal of a disciple.

After Judas left, Jesus told the remaining disciples what will happen to him.  “When he had left, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once.  My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.  You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, Where I go you cannot come, so now I say it to you’.” John 13: 31-33).  In his death, he will give glory to God the Father and he will be glorified by God the Father.  He is now leaving his disciples and goes back to the place where he was before.

As appointed leader of the group, Peter started talking on his own and not by the other beloved disciple.  “Simon Peter said to him, ‘Master, where are you going?’  Jesus answered him, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later’.” (John 13: 36).  Again Jesus repeated what he had said to the Jews, that they cannot follow, but to them, his disciples, they can follow later.

Peter entered into scene.  As usual his aggressive initiative came again.  He promised that he will defend Jesus to whatever event and circumstance may happen.  “Peter said to him, ‘Master, why can’t I follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you’.” (John 13: 37).  He was proud to say that he will protect Jesus, even laying down his life for him.  He will offer his life in the service of Jesus, the Christ.    

But Jesus knew the truth, what was inside of the man, (ampaw), thick outside but hollow inside.   Simon Peter was not yet thoroughly train in self-sacrifice and hallow.  “Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me?  Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times’.” (John 13: 38).  Jesus confronted Simon Peter in his sincerity and truthfulness, for he knew Simon Peter through and through.  “Puro yabang at salita, kulang sa gawa.”  He had lots of air in his body, but when he was antagonized by challenges he faltered and wavered his principle.  And there are many Simon Peters among us who showed our aggressiveness but when we are challenged we gave in.  And not only Simon Peter, there are lots also of Judases who are ready to betray friends in exchange of favor and self-interest.  Are we not ready to sacrifice ourselves for the good of many?