Today is Your Last Chance

Tuesday 4th April 2023. Read Isaiah 49:1-6, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, John 13:21-33,36-38 

“So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified.’” (John 13:30-31)

At the thanksgiving of Mary and Martha, Judas protested against the expensive oil Mary poured on Jesus. He did that not because he cared about the poor, but because he wanted to help himself. God sees our hearts. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.” Judas ought to have asked himself: “How did he know?” He did not realize that was his last chance. He joined in the chorus of denials. “Is it I, Master?”

John tells that as soon as Judas ate the morsel of bread, Satan entered him, meaning that his mind was made up. He had chosen money over God. The moment Judas walked out; Jesus knew exactly what would happen next.

Instead of crying over the lashes, blows, and insults, Jesus decided to focus on the brighter side: “Now, the Son of Man is glorified, and in him, God is glorified.” Jesus remained positive; he considered the glory that was awaiting him. As the prophet Isaiah says in today’s first reading: “You are my servant, in whom I will be glorified.” (Isaiah 49:3).

I wonder how many of us would be able to hold ourselves if God gave us the ability to read people’s minds or know what is going to happen in the future. It takes special grace to know that someone is about to hurt you and you still eat with the person. At times, we need to thank God for the grace of ignorance. Live your life one day at a time, and don’t try to know what is going to happen in the future otherwise, you will not be able to sleep well at night.

Both Judas and Peter were more concerned about giving a good impression of themselves. Judas would not own up to his planned betrayal and Peter boasted openly about dying for Jesus only for him to deny Jesus later Let us examine our conscience. Am I more concerned with pleasing God than pleasing people? Am I planning to do something bad? Am I refusing to own up and confess what I am planning to do?

Nothing is hidden from the eyes of God. If you hide your sin, it will eventually expose you. That which you don’t want people to know will be used to remember you after you have gone. Think about this, today is your last chance; repent, reconsider your evil plans, and retrace your steps. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, teach me to re-write my destiny by making the right choices. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of Holy Week, Bible Study: Isaiah 49:1-6, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, John 13:21-33,36-38).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu