I have found that each year that I grow older, ahem ... more mature, the more I anticipate Holy Week with a sense of excitement. I know that sounds totally bizarre, if not a little morose. In all honesty, I’ve struggled most of my life with contemplating the Passion of Jesus and His suffering. It’s something I’ve avoided most of my adult life. However, the deeper I grow in my faith, the more I realize its inevitable and that wall around my heart starts to crumble. Every Lent I realize just how much growth in my relationship with Jesus comes at the foot of His crucifixion. That fills my heart with great joy and gives me the courage to face His agony and heart-wrenching suffering. 

Wednesday of Holy Week is such a profound way to prepare our hearts for the Triduum. It forces us to contemplate our own transgressions and betrayal of Jesus in our every day life through the betrayal of Judas. If we take a deeper look at the character of Judas, we’ll see a broken, worldly, and fearful man. Like it or not, we’re all broken, worldly, and fearful at times in our lives. During our dark moments we too betray Jesus through sin; through lack of trust, spreading gossip, judgement, criticizing others, etc. It’s a hard thing to admit, but we all have Judas in us. 

Before you despair and start beating yourself up, consider the real beauty in the betrayal: Jesus’ complete forgiveness of Judas (along with all of the others that condemned Him). This is the message to contemplate before Jesus’ passion begins tomorrow. First, start-off by forgiving yourself. It’s harder forgive others if you’re not willing to forgive yourself. I personally struggle with this one, and I’m a prize fighter in the ring with myself. Also, If you haven’t been to confession during Lent make every effort to go, today. The sacrament of Reconciliation will set your heart free to start forgiving others as Jesus has forgiven you…

Everyone has someone to forgive. There is a lot of hurt in this world. The good news is that forgiveness will set you free and has the power to heal. To heal broken hearts and broken souls. Forgiveness is a process and takes time, perseverance, and above all God’s grace. Take the first step and ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart and to begin to transform it. If you ask Jesus to help you forgive as He did and still does, your prayer will be answered. It may happen in an instant, but more than likely it will take time. Little by little you will see your heart softening until one day it just doesn’t hurt anymore. Your heart will be made whole again and you’ll be able to love and live more fully.

Shine on.