April 15, 2025

Day 42: A Table Prepared – Discerning Hearts Podcast

9 minutes

A Lenten Spiritual Journey with Discerning Hearts: From Ashes to Glory – Discerning Hearts Podcast

Day 42: A Table Prepared

Scripture Reading: (Jerusalem Bible)

John 13:21–33, 36–38

Having said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, “I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.”

The disciples looked at one another, wondering which he meant. The disciple Jesus loved was reclining next to Jesus; Simon Peter signed to him and said, “Ask who it is he means,” so leaning back on Jesus’ breast he said, “Who is it, Lord?”

“It is the one,” replied Jesus, “to whom I give the piece of bread that I dip in the dish.” He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. At that instant, after Judas had taken the bread, Satan entered him.

Jesus then said, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”

None of the others at table understood the reason he said this. Since Judas had charge of the common fund, some thought Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or, “Give something to the poor.”

As soon as Judas had taken the piece of bread he went out. Night had fallen.

When he had gone Jesus said: “Now has the Son of Man been glorified, and in him God has been glorified… My little children, I shall not be with you much longer.”

Simon Peter said, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now; you will follow me later.”

Peter said to him, “Why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

“Lay down your life for me?” answered Jesus. “I tell you most solemnly, before the cock crows you will have disowned me three times.”

Reflection:

Betrayal doesn’t come from enemies. It comes from those we’ve let in.

Those we’ve trusted. Those we’ve loved.

Judas has walked with Jesus. Eaten with Him. Slept under the same roof. Witnessed the miracles. Heard the parables. Felt the warmth of His friendship.

And still… he turns.

Jesus offers him bread. It is the sign of deepest communion, a gesture of peace and covenant. But Judas receives it not as a gift, but as a means to a hidden agenda. And then he leaves.

The Gospel says simply: “Night had fallen.” And not just outside.

The others don’t understand. Peter speaks with zeal. But Jesus knows what’s coming. Peter’s denials. Their scattering. His agony. He knows, and still He stays at the table.

And this is where it gets personal.

Because we’ve all known betrayal—not just from others, but sometimes within ourselves. We’ve betrayed our own integrity. We’ve said one thing and done another. We’ve made promises to God and failed to keep them. We’ve pulled away in fear.

But Jesus stays. He does not retreat. He gives His heart, knowing it will be broken.

He knows what’s in Judas. And He still offers him bread.

He knows what’s in Peter. And He still looks him in the eye.

He knows what’s in you. And He’s still sitting at the table.

This is not sentimental love. This is covenantal love. The kind that stays even when it hurts. The kind that doesn’t withdraw even when we do. The kind that keeps reaching.

Pope Benedict XVI said

“God does not force us. He does not fence us in. He leaves us free, even to refuse Him…But it is in this freedom that love becomes real.”

(Holy Week Homily, April 4, 2007)

Judas gave his heart to silver. Peter gave his heart to his own strength. Only one returned.

Evagrius Ponticus once said,

“A man in chains cannot run. Nor can the soul enslaved to passions be free to follow Christ.”

(On the Eight Thoughts)

Judas was not free. Peter would not be free—until he wept. Until he was healed.

Today, the question is not “Would I betray Him?”

The real question is: When I do fail Him—will I return?

Jesus already knows. And He’s still holding out the bread.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where have I felt betrayal in my own life—and how has it shaped my heart?

2. When have I betrayed or abandoned my love for Christ, even subtly?

3. What keeps me from coming back to the table, to receive the Bread He still offers?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus,

You were betrayed by a friend,

denied by the one who swore to defend You,

and abandoned by those closest to You.

Still, You loved.

Still, You offered Yourself.

Let me not run from my own weakness.

Let me not turn away in shame.

You are still offering bread.

And You are still offering Yourself.

Amen.

This reflection is written by Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts®. The Scripture passage is taken from the Jerusalem Bible (1966 edition), used with permission. No unauthorized use or reproduction is permitted without prior written consent.

The post Day 42: A Table Prepared – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

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