Gospel: March 31, 2026
March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
Tuesday of Holy Week
Psalter: Week 2 (Violet)
Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-
6ab, 15 & 17
I will sing of your salvation.
1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6
Listen to me, O islands, pay attention, people from distant lands. The Lord called me from my mother’s womb; he pronounced my name before I was born. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword. He hid me in the shadow of his hand. He made me into a polished arrow set apart in his quiver.
He said to me, “You are Israel, my servant, through you I will be known.” “I have labored in vain,” I thought, “and spent my strength for nothing.” Yet what is due me was in the hand of the Lord, and my reward was with my God. I am important in the sight of the Lord, and my God is my strength.
And now the Lord has spoken, he who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, to gather Israel to him.
He said: “It is not enough that you be my servant, to restore the tribes of Jacob, to bring back the remnant of Israel. I will make you the light of the nations, that my salvation will reach to the ends of the earth.”
Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38
After saying this, Jesus was distressed in spirit, and said plainly, “Truly, one of you will betray me.” The disciples then looked at one another, wondering whom he meant. One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining near Jesus; so Simon Peter signaled him to ask Jesus whom he meant.
And the disciple, who was reclining near Jesus, asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “I shall dip a piece of bread in the dish, and he to whom I give it, is the one.”
So Jesus dipped the bread in the dish and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. As Judas took the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus then said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
None of the others, reclining at the table, understood why Jesus had said this to Judas. As Judas had the common purse, they may have thought that Jesus was telling him,“Buy what we need for the feast,” or, “Give something to the poor.” Judas left as soon as he had eaten the bread. It was night.
When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. God will glorify him, and he will glorify him very soon.
My children, I am with you for only a little while; you will look for me, but as I already told the Jews, now I tell you: where I am going you cannot come.
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but afterwards you will.” Peter said, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to give my life for you.” “To give your life for me?” Jesus asked Peter. “Truly I tell you, the cock will not crow, before you have denied me three times.”
Reflection:
We are encouraged to foster loyalty.
This scene from the Last Supper explores themes of betrayal and loyalty. Jesus informs His disciples that one of them will betray Him, which causes confusion and sadness among them. This concept of betrayal resonates with our own experiences, as we all face moments when trust is broken in our relationships.
When Jesus identifies Judas as the one who will betray Him, it reveals the complicated nature of human emotions, where love can coexist with betrayal. How often do we encounter challenges to our loyalty? Remaining true can be difficult in friendships, family, or work relationships.
Peter’s resolute promise, “I am ready to give my life for you,” stands in stark contrast to his subsequent denial. This teaches us that our intentions do not always align with our actions. The essence of this passage encourages us to reflect on our commitments and seek ways to strengthen our connections with others.
In a world where betrayal seems inevitable, we are encouraged to foster loyalty through open communication, empathy, and understanding. By nurturing these qualities, we can build relationships that endure life’s challenges, transforming moments of doubt into opportunities for stronger bonds and greater trust.
