Holy Tuesday - Third Day of Creation
Holy Tuesday is a time of difficultpolemics and firm choices, but it is also time for a meal full of emotions at the end of the day. Jesus bravely argues with the Jewish elders, not sparing the repeatedly repeated word "woe." At the same time, the Master of Nazareth announces the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world and his second coming to earth in glory. However, this dramatic teaching is not intended to instill panic in the audience, but rather to encourage constant daily vigilance and readiness in the form of conversion.
On the other hand, today's Gospel guides us into the emotional space of a shared meal. Evening. Surely Jesus is tired of fending off allegations all day long. Despite this, he brings out from himself what is most beautiful. He observes his disciples, he would like to tell them a lot more, but he sees that they are not ready yet for the mission. He is moved because he knows that practically everyone will abandon him ... There is no anger, norrage in him. Jesus is moved. During these few years of traveling the roads of Israel together, he simply fell in love with this imperfect "regiment" of men. He knew perfectly well their great desires and the mediocrity ... and sometimes their usual male anger instead of patiently waiting.
Jesus looks at them and just hurts him to see them suffer after his departure. Paradox: he suffers with their suffering ... He knows thefoolish things in life that they will commit: betrayal, denial, abandonment, doubt... He feels sorry for them, not for himself.
Difficult, disturbing words are uttered: "One of you will betray me." In each of these men doubts arise: "maybe it's me, because I have wanted to leave the group of twelve more than once and return to everyday activities known to me?" They look at each other, trying to hide their doubts, somehow explain themselves and get out of trouble.
Only the youngest of them, John, has the courage to ask. His friendship with the Master and his passion for the indivisibility of the heart taught him, despite his young age, staying with Christ in every situation. He has already chosen Jesus and all the desires of the Savior's heart. Now he rests on the Master's chest to hear it and put it into practice. It will lead him to the Cross.
On the other hand, Judas, John's companion, despite the similar time spent with the Master - listening, admiring, receiving, as each of the twelve, powers of healing and casting out evil spirits - leaves ... Jesus tried to save him: he gave him the function of great trust – to keep the finances; during supper, he makes him understand that he knows the intentions of his heart, nevertheless he shares bread with him. He is close to him all the time, fights for him that he will not go into the darkness. Judas, however, chooses to betray and sell the Teacher, walks away from the Light, and chooses darkness. The tragedy is that the apostles do not stop their companion of hisfate, they are also lost and indifferent. They let Judas go out. Peter, who should be the first to react and save his fellow disciple, boasts of his courage and makes another series of empty declarations...
Summing up: there is chaos and panic among the disciples, and Jesus, peacefully, is simply moved ...
On the third day, God separated an immense amount of untamed water from the dry land. With “emotion and delighted” over the already completed work, he created plants that bear fruit and seed. He made the wilderness of the earth an explosion of harmony. The extension of His creation is to give to the world the seed of a plant that will bear fruit.
How do these range of choice look to me? God made everything good, but man can choose otherwise. God made light, but man can choose darkness.
God created me in such a way that, as His child, son and daughter, I would rest on His chest and be close. Instead of this touching light, I can choose the terrifying darkness and the hopelessness that plunges me into chaos.
Today is Tuesday a day of polemic and choices, emotions and decisions. Good luck!
"And so, Evening came, and Morning followed—the Third Day.”
Until Tomorrow
fr. george