It is Thursday of Holy Week, the celebration we call the Last Supper. It is written about in Mark 14:12-26. The theme I want to pick out is that of betrayal. We all know what it feels like to be betrayed. We have trust in something or someone and that trust is broken. As an avid backpacker, I know all about betrayal. My feet have betrayed me. After several weeks on the trail of contitioning they suddenly develop blister for no apparent reason other than to cause me pain. I have been betrayed by my backpack which in a rain storm developed a whole allowing all me gear to get soaking wet. I have been betrayed by my own memory, leaving a well loved water bottle at a shelter and not discovering it until well down the trail. Maybe you've been betrayed by a car that suddenly will not run and of course it always at the most inconvienent time.
All of these betrayals pale in comparison to the betrayal of a loved one. We know that equipment and memories fail but friends make choices. Friends and loved ones who betray us make to choice to do so. It is that choice to betray us that hurts the most. On the night, Jesus is betrayed. However, Judas is not the only one guilty of betrayal on this night. Peter on three different occasions, denies even knowing who Jesus is. All the disciples, flee in panic as Jesus is arrested in the secrecy of darkness.
Which bring me to that question the disciples ask Jesus, "Is it I?" And the answer is a resounding, "Yes."
What are the ways I betray Jesus today? I betray Jesus when I respond in kind to the disrespect shown be by those who cut me off on the freeway. I betray Jesus when I choose to remain blind to the injustices of those around me to live with prejudice and powerlessness. I betray Jesus when I think that church attendance is a substitute for "Christian Living."
Yet, knowing that he is in the presence of those who would betray him, in fact he is dipping bread with these very folk, Jesus takes bread and gives thanks and gives it to his betrayers. He give it to me and says, "Take, this is my Body." He takes the cup and gives thanks and shares it with those who are to leave him abandonded. To them and me, he give this cup and explains, "This is my blood of the covenant poured out for many." Even while I am a betrayer, Jesus offers himself to me, to bring healing in my inmost spirit.
God, on this day of remembrance, help me to see clearly the love you have not just for me, but for all humanity. Guide me to live a life worthy of being called after Christ's name: Christian. Amen
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