Betrayed Christ – Reflection on John 13:21-33, 36-38
Life experiences can surface in Lectio. Sometimes, even over many years of Lectio, a singular moment resurfaces. I cannot help but return to one striking one when I denied Christ. It is far easier to betray Christ than we think. I had a function after church, so I couldn’t waste time with the traditional conversations. On top of that, I had grown impatient waiting for multiple traffic light cycles because I was among all the cars leaving the Church parking lot. The bridge construction ahead meant I had to drive even faster than usual. Then, glancing to my left, I felt the feather touch of the Cross on my chest. I had betrayed Christ, denying Him and all he offers three times in just a few minutes without noticing. I believe God knows, like Peter, that we will fail, so in our realization, we are instantly forgiven and have permission to try again.
The Last Supper Judas Dipping his Hand in the Dish by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website
John 13:21-33, 36-38 – Scripture*
Jesus Foretells His Betrayal
21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
The New Commandment
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 13:21-33, 36-38 Reflection – Betrayed Christ.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 13 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Betrayed Christ
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