Deserted

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:47-56

There is nothing much worse than being abandoned by friends and loved ones, alone to face the coming days. For Jesus, this meant death. For us, it rarely means death, but great, painful loss. When we are on our own, especially when we are usually with loving others, it can feel like a kind of death. During the worst of Covid times, many folks felt desertion for the first time. The overwhelming isolation and pain of loss is still traumatizing many. Most of us experience abandonment for a season. For us, Jesus knew desertion, betrayal and abandonment for our salvation. I am reminded in times when feeling abandoned, that God is truly present then, anyway.

Wondrous God you set us in family and community

made us as being of relationship and support

yet we often run away when things get difficult.

We live in a world where abandonment and neglect

are the currency and standards on our streets

and we rarely do anything for those in great need.

Help us be those who know the pain of isolation

and respond with compassion and constant care

so your love might live with us in these times. Amen.