Surely not I

The Gospel today in the Roman Catholic Lectionary contains the phrase “‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’”( Matthew 26:25) spoken by Judas to Jesus after those gathered for the Passover meal are made aware by Jesus that He will be betrayed into the hands of the religious authorities by one who is at table with them. Friar Jude Winkler comments on the tradition concerning this betrayal including the practice of the Orthodox Church to observe Wednesday fasting to commemorate the day of betrayal. The text from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah describes the Suffering Servant who endures torture, insults and ridicule as he follows the Will of God to proclaim the truth which is the weapon that sustains him through difficulty which is beyond his expectations. He is sustained in his struggle, which draws more than his human strength, by God. Friar Jude has noted in previous commentaries that Jesus takes the language of Isaiah about the Suffering Servant and applies it to Himself. The followers of Jesus today are aware that persecution, ridicule and torment, beyond the expectations of our human limit, are possibilities while journeying to holiness. The psalmist comes to thanksgiving to God for the witness he is able to become through suffering for the will of God. The sword that pierces our heart may not be as close as Judas action was to Jesus. We are aware that the power to transcend these extreme difficulties comes from the grace of God as we accept our cross in trust.