A Mirrored Window

Gospel: Matthew 26: 14-25

One of you will betray me.  Surely it is not I, Lord, they all say.  I will lay down my life for you, Lord.  Leader of the band, this very night you will deny me three times.  The rest of you will abandon me.  Christianity loves to be about creeds, professions of faith, testimonials, and "witnessing."  All of it is performative egoism much like these statements of the disciples at the Last Supper.  It is all talk and bluster with little substance and weight.  

The Holy Week readings are designed to be like looking into a mirrored window.  We see the scene itself, but we also see ourselves in that very scene.  Every disciples in that room failed.  They all gave their testimonials and then went out to do something very different than what they claimed to be.  So it is with us disciples of today.  We claim to follow the Lord, yet deny him in the person of our neighbor each day - cheering on warfare, maligning the poor, abusing the immigrant, migrant, and refugee.  

The drama of Holy Week is one we are to take in with utter silence, for the drama is an indictment on ourselves as disciples as much as it is for the original group of followers.  The readings and rituals are designed to instill deep humility and introspection within us so that when we lie prostrate or kneel at the beginning of the Good Friday service we are truly humbled and chastened.  Yet, we are invited to rise again with the Lord and keep trying to imitate him on the Way to the reign of God.