Aug 29 Fri
Will I be a traitor?
In a recent catechesis, the Pope recalled when Jesus revealed that one of the Twelve would betray him: "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me" (Mk 14:18).
Strong words. Jesus does not condemn, but shows that real love must be joined with truth.
Jesus neither raises his voice nor points a finger, nor names Judas. The disciples become distressed and ask him, one by one, Surely it is not I?
Will I be the one? – This is what we must ask ourselves. Not to assure ourselves of being innocent, but to discover that we are fragile. It is not the cry of a guilty one, but the whisper of one wanting to love, but aware of the possibility of failing and causing harm. In this awareness, our journey of salvation begins.
Jesus does not denounce to disgrace them. He tells the truth because He wants to save. And to be saved, one must feel involved, feel that one is beloved despite everything, feel that evil is real but that it does not have the last word. Only One who has known the truth of a deep love can also accept the wound of betrayal.
The disciples’ reaction is not anger, but sadness. They are not indignant, but sorrowful. It is a pain that arises from the real possibility of becoming traitors. And precisely this sorrow, if welcomed with sincerity, becomes a place for conversion. The Gospel teaches us to recognize it as a painful opportunity to be born again.
Jesus then adds, “But woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed...” These harsh words were not a curse, but a cry of pain, and sincere and deep compassion.
We are used to judging; God instead accepts suffering. Facing evil, He does not avenge it, but grieves. If we refuse God’s love, if, by betraying it, we become unfaithful to ourselves, then we lose the meaning of our existence and exclude ourselves from salvation.
And yet, precisely then, at the darkest moment, the light is not extinguished. When we allow the pain of Christ to touch us, then we are finally born again. Faith does not prevent us from falling into sin, but always offers us a way out of it: that of compassion and mercy.
Our fragility does not scandalize Jesus. He continues to trust, even those who will betray him. This is the silent power of God: He never abandons the table of love, even if He is left alone.
We must ask ourselves, with sincerity: “Will I be the one?”
This is hope: knowing that even if I fail, God will never fail me. Even if I betray him, He never stops loving me. And if I allow myself to be touched by this love. I can begin to live no longer as a traitor, but as a child who is always loved.