Eucharist: John
13:21-32
"Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say-'Father,
save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this
hour. Father, glorify your name." John 12:27-28
Holy Wednesday is the quiet before the storm. I think of it as a
day to get final things in order in the parish. Some parishes worship by
Tenebrae this evening as a preparation for Maundy Thursday. The service originally designed for Good Friday, is
quiet, reflective, slightly downcast, with the slow extinguishing of candle. It
ends in darkness with a loud crash. The emotions of betrayal hang in the air,
Good Friday looms ahead. As Jesus is troubled in his final hours, so are we.
And yet we know that through Christ's suffering we and he find glorification. All
past time stands forgiven even as the actions of human betrayal bring the days
to come. The gospel for daily mass is the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. In John's
Gospel is a clear message that there was no surprise in this betrayal, at least
in Jesus' mind.
So what do we do with this day? It is a day to find quiet
somewhere, to reflect on all that Christ means to us. I would suggest it is not
a day do flail ourselves but to look for how our better self is fed by Christ.
Yes, that may also invite us to look at our opposite side. Let Philippines be
your guide.
"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is
honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of
praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned
and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you."
Philippines 4:8-9
Find quiet this day.
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