April 7

Readings for the Day: IS 49:1-6, PS 71:1-6, 15, 17, PHIL 2:6-11, JN 13:21-33, 36-38

My toddler is just about the cutest little human on earth. But once in a great while, she tries to deceive me. Examples? I’ll ask if she remembered to wash her hands after going to the bathroom. “Yes, Daddy.” I never heard the sink. Or I’ll hear little footsteps in her room and slowly open the door and see her quickly pulling up her blanket to appear as if she’s been in bed the entire time.

If a parent is paying attention, a toddler won’t be able to fool them. In much the same way, we can’t fool God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus turns to one of his disciples and lets the man know he isn’t fooled. He knows the man is in the process of betraying him. He doesn’t restrain the man. He doesn’t stop him. He simply says, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Judas leaves at once.

Moments later, Peter seems to be getting it right. He asks where Jesus is going with every intention of following. Then, Jesus tells one of his best friends that he will betray Jesus three times.

So to recap: From Judas to Peter, none of us can fool Jesus. He knows everything about us. Everything.

And over the next few days, he will still walk through hell to redeem us.

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy.

If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

As we have lost our weekly collection income, we can only maintain our current staff for a limited time without your help. Please spread the word and sign up for auto-pay or make whatever donation you can at https://www.ezekielgiving.com/App/Giving/oloj