Betrayal

On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.” Matthew 26:17-25

We can be hurt by words and actions of strangers. But betrayal is only done by beloved friends and family. Betrayal is heart break, a loss so profound most never recover. The greatest gift of our faith came through the worst betrayal. Our Creator is constantly renewing the most broken hearts and healing the tears in our trust and relationships. We betray often, yet God is more ready to forgive and heal than we are to ask. May we be those who ask, and find ways to repair the breaches that we have caused.

Loving Creator, who is the source of love

from you flows forgiveness and healing

yet we are reluctant to seek your blessings.

Help us to humble ourselves every day

making room for your light to shine within

opening our spirits to your healing and grace

and making us people who care for your people. Amen.