Paula Barker Datsko

Dear Friends,

Today’s Gospel lesson (Matthew 26:17-25) brings us into the story of the Last Supper. Jesus and the disciples are gathered in the upper room and have begun their meal when Jesus turns the conversation towards immanent betrayal. The disciples voice their dismay one by one, “Surely not I?” Only to Judas does Jesus reply, “You have said so.” 

Though today’s reading ends there, the chapter continues to sound the theme of betrayal.  After arriving at the Mount of Olives, Jesus tells the remaining disciples that they will desert him. Peter’s protest is met with the prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the night was over. When Jesus asks the disciples to wait while he prays, they fall asleep—awakening only as Judas arrives with his mob.

The weaknesses of the disciples are on display—their anxiety while wanting to appear faithful, their confusion when Jesus’ actions or teachings don’t make sense, and Judas’ effort to take matters into his own hands. Reflecting on their betrayals, can you identify your own?  We, like them, are fallible humans despite our good intentions. 

Yet, like them, we also are loved by Jesus even in our weakness. And the grace of that love can awaken capabilities beyond our human shortcomings. The lesson from Romans (12:9-21) describes what grace can bring about in lives like ours. Grace can elicit genuine love among us, with mutual affection and honor, with zeal for serving those in need, with hope and patience and perseverance in prayer. Grace can enable us to live in harmony together without having to pretend that we’re superior to others. The grace of Jesus’ love transforms people like us into Beloved Community as a sign and a witness, so that others may see the power of God overcoming evil with good. 

Each of us fails, but God’s love does not. What might that love bring about in you today?

In hope,

—Paula+