Fifth Sunday of Easter Year C - Gospel Reflection


John 13:31-33a, 34-35 

I have often wondered what could have induced Judas to betray Jesus.  The Pharisees despised Jesus because they felt that He was attacking their position, seeking attention, blaspheming, contradicting their laws, etc. and resulting from their hatred they sought to kill Him.  But Judas had long since pledged allegiance to Christ and had been walking alongside Him as a friend for three years.  What could have corrupted his heart to commit such a grievous crime?  The Gospels do not give much pretext to Judas’ betrayal.  Why?  Probably because we do not need to know.  What good would it profit us to know Judas’ faults?  It would only feed into our curiosity and give us more ground to blame and judge. This is exactly what Jesus is not teaching his disciples in today’s reading.  Rather, He offers the new commandment, which will help us combat our natural inclinations to sin: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

Notice that there is no emphasis on the sin about to be committed, but on the glory which God brings out of it: “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.”  Of course, sin is never justified or acceptable.  Nonetheless, God permits it because He can always conform the results of our failings to His greater glory.  It is this glory that should inspire us to do better, to seek reconciliation, and return to the path of love.

What do you find most difficult in following Jesus new commandment, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”?

What is one step you can take to overcome that difficulty?

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