Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested

Listen to this scripture passage & reflection, and pray along with us…
We adore You, O Christ, and bless You… 
because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Then, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.  His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.”  He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.”  And he kissed him.  At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.

Mark 14: 43-46

Imagine for a moment what it feels like to be betrayed. Sad to say, I suspect that some of us have had this experience. Perhaps it was in a small way such as being the subject of gossip or in a profoundly harmful way, as Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. The very symbol of affection for another, a kiss, is the sign of betrayal. How painful this must have been!

We are a community of faith. Jesus calls each of us to be His disciples, to journey with Him, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. This takes courage. It requires sharing our faith and our lives with each other. We risk being vulnerable… and when someone close to us lets us down for whatever reason, we are called to forgive, and forgive again, and not to be deterred from sharing our life with others.

May the example of this moment provide each of us with the grace of knowing that we do not journey as disciples alone… Jesus is with us.

Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be to the Father...

Lord Jesus Christ, your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites heaven and earth, and reconciles all people to you.  May we who have faithfully reflected on the mysteries of Your passion follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.  Amen.  

Lord Jesus Christ... crucified... have mercy on us.  

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

By Hobie Murnane