The gospel passage for today's liturgy presents Jesus and the disciples in the Upper Room at the moment when Judas Iscariot - one of the twelve - is pointed out as the one who would betray Jesus (cf Jn 13:21-26).
Jesus loved all his disciples, but Judas had a special role to play. In fact, his name is not mentioned except in relation to the fact that he was the one who betrayed Jesus. It might be difficult to believe that betraying Jesus was part of God's plan, but this was the way. Later in the scriptures, we learn that Judas hung himself. He did this because he was despairing after he discovered the result of his choice. Despair is the emotion that invades when there is an absolute absence of hope.
We have all encountered situations where we have regretted choices that we have made, but the important thing is to learn from our mistakes. We can always come back to Jesus, even if we have committed the most serious of sins, even if we have chosen to live at a distance from him for a very long time. Perhaps today, we can ask for the grace to believe in the gift of hope. It will help us to turn away from situations where we might be tempted to despair.
Have a great day.
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