+JMJ
A Contemplative Moment From The Betrayer
This contemplative moment is short and sweet (actually not so sweet), and a powerful reminder of my brokenness. I could have just as easily been the betrayer, showing my absolute need for the most loving and compassionate Heart of Jesus.
Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand Him over.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, He said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to Him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born” Then Judas, His betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”
Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25
During the Last Supper, I imagine all of the Disciples sitting down with Jesus for dinner. The disciples are all talking excitedly about many different things. They are all enjoying the good food, wine, and company.
Jesus sits in the midst of the of the quietly, appearing to be zoned out. But He isn’t. He is acutely aware of everything going on around Him.
He can hear every conversation.
He can hear every word uttered.
He can hear every thought.
He feels every breath taken.
He feels the very beat of their hearts.
His own heart is stronger than the rest. It is steady, calm, and soothing. As I go from disciple to disciple listening to the beat of their hearts, each one seems to beat close to simultaneously with that of Christ’s.
Except for one.
There is one heartbeat that does not beat like the others. It is
I watch as Jesus turns to Judas on His left. Judas also sits silently, lost in is own tormented thoughts.
Jesus looks so filled with sorrow as He gazes at the pitiful Judas. He sees the torment that is to come.
He sees every strike, every blow, and every fall in the greatest detail. These things would be put into motion because of the actions taken by Judas.
Everyone at the table is unaware of what is to come, but Jesus feels it all.
Where does my heart beat?
It got me thinking about my own heart. Is it beating in unison with the Heart of Jesus? Or is it erratic? Beating against His, like that of Judas?
Far too often I feel my heart beats against His. Whenever I am anxious, worried, and scared. My heart beats against His. Whenever I give into temptations. My heart beats against His. When I allow my past mistakes to torment me. My heart beats against His. These are the times when my life feels heavy, burdensome, and miserable. My heart feels the foreboding darkness that, against my good sense, seems so appealing.
Then, there are times when I feel that my heart beats in unison with His. These times my heart and soul are filled to the brim, and often overflowing, with joy. My burdens become light, struggles are lessened, and there is
It is the place we would strive to be, and can only be found by doing His will above
Pray For Union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Let us pray now to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is so full of love and compassion for all of us miserable sinners. Let us petition Him for a heart that is in complete union with His.
What does your heart love most? Does it beat in Unison with Christ’s? Do you fight against His loving heart?
Drop a comment and let me know!
Thrive in Jesus, my Friends!