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When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Reflection
When I read the first words of today’s Gospel, I was taken aback. “When Judas had left them …” I didn’t expect to be back at the Last Supper.
I had been basking in the times Jesus stood in their midst in the locked room and gave his friends his gift of peace. My heart had been touched by his calling friends to join him on the shore for a breakfast he prepared. I took great comfort in Jesus’ assurance that, as our faithful shepherd, he would tend and feed us.
I wrestled (once again) with the mystery of Jesus’ words, “The Father and I are one.” I hadn’t been surprised by Jesus sending his followers (us) out to preach the good news, to feed and tend the sheep of his flock.
I had clearly moved on from the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. I was all about the mysterious physical presence of Jesus, enjoying his everyday company. I welcomed being reminded of our being sent out to continue the ministry and mission of Jesus. I was feeling up to the task.
I was in New Life mode for sure; but I was not in REAL New Life mode.
The words “When Judas had left them …” got me there fast.
I had left myself forget there’s a reason we need a faithful shepherd, an encouraging and comforting friend, a friend who calls us to our best selves. The simple reason we need such a friend (friends) is that our lives and multiple relationships are so complicated.
Judas was definitely a complicated man who had a complicated relationship with Jesus. Words others used to describe Judas were zealot, insurrectionist, thief, spy, hypocrite, betrayer. Jesus called him friend, disciple.
See what I mean about real new life? I see Judas the betrayer. Jesus knows Judas as both betrayer and friend, but only friend matters to Jesus.
“After Judas had left them” to betray Jesus, Jesus takes the opportunity to give us a new commandment. “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” A commandment – not a suggestion but a commandment. What the commandment comes down to is this, ‘As I have loved Judas the zealot, insurrectionist, thief, spy, hypocrite, you should love that same Judas. As I have loved Judas who betrayed me, you should also love Judas who betrayed me.’
Of course, “the new commandment” doesn’t sound a bit new to us. We who follow Jesus know that ‘love one another’ is the point of every parable, the reason to lay down stones about to be thrown or to get up in the middle of the night to give our neighbor something to eat. Jesus’ commandment never varies – love one another, love one another, love one another.
Loving takes so much work, humility, forgiveness, grace. That’s probably why it’s good to go out to breakfast with loved ones every once in a while.
Action
Obviously, make breakfast for someone(s) or take someone(s) to breakfast.
Sister Denise was the general superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 2006-2016. She previously served as a high school teacher, college administrator, postulant/novice director and director of advancement and communications for the Congregation. Currently, Sister Denise serves the Congregation in various volunteer positions.
Thank you! A powerful reflection on loving all, even and especially those I deem Judas’.
So simple yet so profound. Like most of the Lord’s teachings.
Every day I need to remember to love those who mirror the Judas I think of when I hear his name, by remembering that Jesus loved Judas, and I need to do likewise with others. Thank you.
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Thank you! A powerful reflection on loving all, even and especially those I deem Judas’.
So simple yet so profound. Like most of the Lord’s teachings.
Every day I need to remember to love those who mirror the Judas I think of when I hear his name, by remembering that Jesus loved Judas, and I need to do likewise with others. Thank you.