| Wed Apr 16 | am: 55 pm: 74 | Jer 17:5-10,14-17 | Phil 4:1-13 | John 12:27-36 |
WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK – SPY WEDNESDAY
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: This day in Holy Week recalls the agreement that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, made with the Jewish leaders who were members of the ruling order called the Sanhedrin. He promised to identify Jesus so that he could be arrested in return for 30 pieces of silver. The sign would be a kiss. This is recorded in Luke 22:1-6. When Jesus reveals Judas as the one who would betray Him, the fate of Jesus was at hand. Jesus orders Judas to be quick about what he intends to do. Then Judas goes out into the loneliness of the night, aware that Jesus knows of his infidelity.
The name, “Spy Wednesday” seems to have its origin in the Celtic Church and reflects the untrustworthiness of this poor soul. This day for some Christians raises deep emotions. For example, In Poland, the young people throw an effigy of Judas from the top of a church steeple. Then it is dragged through the village amidst hurling sticks and stones. What remains of the effigy is drowned in a nearby stream or pond. Why all this energy? Well, Judas’ role in the story seems to set into motion the drama of the Passion. He is God’s inscrutable instrument, that once “Satan entered him” all was doomed. Perhaps these Christians grasp that the allowance of Satan no matter how tempting will doom humanity?
BIBLICAL MEDITATION OF THE DAY: Judas today is the betrayer. Jesus took him in as trusted colleague and Judas stabbed the King of Kings in the back for 30 pieces of silver. He betrayed the trust of someone who loved and valued him. The searing pain of that is clearly felt in the Psalm appointed for the morning office today as we read.v.4-5: “My heart is in ANGUISH within me; the Terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.”
In this Psalm, David is expressing something perfectly as he wrestles with betrayal, both as one who is betrayed and one who has betrayed a trust. He does what most of us do. He questions, he vents, and he expresses anger, pain, and frustration. Of course, he like us directs it as God as well as his enemy. Yet, Jesus does not. In fact, he tells his associate to go do and do what he must quickly. By the end of the Psalm David does arrive at the place of grace as he witnesses to the faithfulness of God, recalling the past, when God redeemed him in safety, delivered him in battle. Today is a worthy day despite the pains of our betrayals to ponder when God has afforded us that amazing grace and how we have benefitted as a result.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “When a man becomes a Christian, he becomes industrious, trustworthy and prosperous. Now, if that man when he gets all he can and saves all he can, does not give all he can, I have more hope for Judas Iscariot than for that man!” – John Wesley
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Father, in your plan of salvation your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross and freed us from the power of the enemy. May we come to share the glory of his resurrection, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever! Amen.
HOLY WEEK DISCIPLINE – Who have you been betrayed by in the important moments in your life? Make a list of those you have felt this by and take steps today to forgive them by writing a thoughtful note that says you have come to this place in the journey because of Christ’s disposition towards Judas.
SONG OF THE SEASON – Song of Judas