Tuesday April 11
Judas receives bread from the very hand of the Son of God, and lo and behold, it is not the Spirit of Christ that enters him, but Satan! How is this possible? The only explanation possible is the state of mind and the intention with which Judas joins the assembly. He is still a disciple, externally. But internally, he has already betrayed the Master. The moment he resolved to betray Jesus, he had parted ways with him.
Could it be possible that similar dynamics happen in our eucharistic assembly and reception of the Body of Christ? Indeed. The internal disposition with which we approach the sacrament matters. Paul has offered a clear warning on this (see 1 Cor 11:27-29). That is why the priest says a prayer, just before he receives the Body of Christ, and as people pray “Agnus Dei”: “May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but through your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body, and a healing remedy.”
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On the last evening of his earthly life, Jesus had supper with his disciples. John speaks of a small group with Christ at the center; beside him is the beloved disciple, beyond him Peter and Judas. Words and gestures seem muted. Jesus justly offers the traitor a bit of hospitality and friendship but the soul of Judas is already dark and leaves the room at night. The same darkness of negativity hovers over the head of the apostle Peter, the leader of the group, and apparently seems very confident. Who among us is not fragile and capable of betraying his own faith?
