Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Isaiah 50:4-9a · Psalm 70 · Hebrews 12:1-3 · John 13:21-32 (From The Lectionary Page)
Throughout the telling of the events of the Passion recorded in John's gospel, it is made clear to the reader that God is in control. Nothing takes place that is not ordained by God; indeed, each step glorifies the Son of Man, and God is glorified in him.
On the one hand, Jesus is clearly presiding not only at this meal but over the events at hand. He says that he will be betrayed, and even sets the betrayal in motion by offering Judas a piece of bread. Yet, at this meal, Jesus is troubled in spirit, for close at hand is unbelief and evil.
The act of offering a morsel of bread to a guest is a sign of hospitality, affection and esteem. Judas is unable to return the affection. Jesus is still in control, John would have us understand, and he gives Judas leave to do what he is going to do. In fact, it is almost as if Jesus blesses him or commissions him to carry out his betrayal. Judas leaves the table and immediately goes out. John writes, "And it was night." This is not merely a mention of the time of day, but an indication of the darkness and betrayal that possessed Judas. Yet this passage concludes with the post-Easter message that even in this darkness, God will be glorified in Jesus.
In contrast to Judas, we encounter the "Beloved Disciple," never clearly identified, though thought by many to be John. Jesus also offers this disciple hospitality, affection and esteem by placing him at the seat of honor at the meal, and in contrast to Judas, the Beloved Disciple accepts. Judas represents the powers of darkness and unbelief that oppose Jesus, and the Beloved Disciple stands for all faithful disciples.
Through Baptism, we are made Beloved Disciples. At every Eucharist, we are given a place of honor and offered hospitality, affection and esteem. As we face the temptation of darkness, let us always "consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that [we] may not grow weary or lose heart."
Let us pray.
Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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