Spy Wednesday

Wednesday in Holy Week is often referred to as "Spy Wednesday" because of the gospel account of Mt. 26:14-25 that refers to Judas. A small detail to be noted when reading through John's account of the banquet in Bethany which takes place previously to all that goes on in this scene in Matthew: Mary of Bethany's vessel of aromatic nard, poured out to wash Jesus' feet, is worth 300 denarii. That is ten times more than the 30 pieces Judas accepts in payment to hand over Jesus in today's gospel account. 

Mary was lavish in her response to Jesus, purchasing the best and using it generously so that the fragrance filled the entire room.

Judas? He handed over a dear friend and Master for just 30 silver pieces.

Jesus embraced the Father's will entirely and poured himself out for our sake, so that we could live a life of freedom and abundance as God's sons and daughters.

Mary of Bethany and Jesus sought the good of those around them. Judas was fixated on things, money, to be exact.

And you? What is most important to you? What will you give today? Jesus will walk with you and help you, no matter the challenge.

Pray Psalm 91 as a way of recalling God's faithfulness and protection in difficulties:

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.1 Hebrew Shaddai

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he14 That is, probably the king loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”