Homily for Wednesday of Holy Week

The early Church recognized that Jesus was betrayed by one of His closest associates. Although this was uncomfortable for them, they did not try to hide the fact that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, was the betrayer.

The Gospel tells us that when Jesus revealed that one of those sharing the table with Him would betray Him, everyone present was “greatly distressed.” Being betrayed by someone you trust is extremely painful for both the one betrayed and those connected to him.

Many of us may have experienced betrayal from people we consider close. Perhaps we confided in someone, and they used that sensitive information against us.

This week reminds us that betrayal does not have to be the end of the story. God the Father had the final word by raising His Son from the dead, bringing good out of the evil of betrayal and the other trials Jesus faced.

Divine Providence can also bring good from the negative experiences we sometimes endure at the hands of others. The Passion of Jesus reminds us that God can work in life-giving ways, even after the darkest moments.