"In You, O LORD, I Take Refuge"

Today's Mass Readings

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus predicts His betrayal by Judas, as well as Peter’s denial. This text for the Tuesday of Holy Week foreshadows Jesus’ experience on Good Friday. Judas, Jesus’ friend and one of the twelve apostles He appointed, will betray Jesus. Peter, another apostle and friend of Jesus, will deny Jesus three times. As we walk with Jesus throughout Holy Week, it would be good for us to reflect on the struggles He underwent. Jesus not only suffered lashings, crucifixion, and death, but also the rejection and betrayal of His closest friends.Perhaps Jesus prayed today's Psalm during these times: In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;
incline your ear to me, and save me.

Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.

For you are my hope, O Lord;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother’s womb you are my strength.

My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Ps 71)

Only the apostle John and His women disciples followed Jesus through the end to the crucifixion. ike John and the women disciples, let us follow Christ through Holy Week. This is a week of anticipation, culminating in the Triduum, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, ending in the Feast of the Resurrection of Jesus.

The Lord called Jesus from birth, and gave Him a name from His mother’s womb, as the first reading for today declares. Therefore, God did not abandon His Son. Jesus will conquer death in the victory of the Resurrection. Let us take this Holy Week to prepare ourselves to receive the Easter joy of Jesus’ resurrection, through prayer and penance