Tuesday of Holy Week
(Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33.36-38)
In a NBA playoff gave a few years ago, Cleveland Cavalier star LeBron James gave an especially memorable performance. He was all over the court – shooting, dribbling, and rebounding – to give his team the margin of victory. Somewhat similarly Jesus controls the action in the Gospel according to John.
In today’s passage, Jesus not only predicts that Judas will betray him but gives him the cue to act. Likewise, he foretells Peter’s denial. Earlier in the gospel Jesus said, “No one takes (my life) from me… I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again” (John 10:18). Throughout the passion narrative we see Jesus fulfilling this prophecy.
Hearing the gospel, we can be assured that Jesus will enable us to overcome any difficulty that we face. Whether it be finding a job in a troubled economy or coping with cancer, if we stay close to the Lord Jesus, he will provide us the grace to overcome any obstacle in our path.
