On this Great and Holy Wednesday, it is so easy to focus on the character of Judas in the Gospel and forget the rest of the story.  The story tells us that “Jesus was deeply troubled” because He knew that one of the men whom He had chosen to be His greatest collaborators and friends will betray Him.  Upon hearing this awful news, the beloved disciple, John rested his head on the chest of his Master and Friend as if trying to console Him.  John consoles Jesus, and Jesus consoles John.

To be betrayed by a friend or by a loved one or by anyone is a troubling experience for anyone.  Many of our miseries in life are caused by our betrayal for each other, but that’s what happens when we put all our trust and all our hope to another human being.  We are all imperfect as good as our intentions are.  We are bound to fail or fail someone if we just rely on each other.  

There is someone on the other hand who cannot fail us, not only because He is perfect but because He is perfectly in love with us.  You and I have been created in His image but also been recreated by His suffering, death and resurrection.  The invitation for you and for me is to do what the beloved disciple did when we are deeply troubled because another friend has hurt us.

Jesus is our friend.  You and I are invited to recline and rest our head on His Heart.  When betrayals and hurts happen, He invites us to come to Him and listen to His Heart beating for love of you.  He understands our hurts completely because He Himself have been through it all.  Let us allow ourselves to hear His Heartbeat of healing and consolation.  Today, leave the company of every friend and loved one for few minutes.  Rest with Him.  In fact, do that everyday.

Who do you rely on most in life?

When was a time when you felt betrayed by someone close to you? When is a time you may have betrayed someone you were close to?

Do you rely on Jesus? Do you take time to rest with Him?

​"Let me rest in you, Lord."

"You know my hurt, Lord."

​"You are my friend, Lord."

Fast from everything for at least a few minutes today, and spend time in silence and stillness, resting with the Lord.