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From the Gospel according
to Saint Luke 22:47-50
and according to Saint Matthew 26:52.56
While Jesus was still
speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the
twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him; but
Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a
kiss?” And when those who were about him saw what would follow, they
said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck
the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all
who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Then all the disciples
forsook him and fled.
MEDITATION
It is one of his trusted
friends that betrays Jesus, and with a kiss. The way Jesus
confronted violence has a message for our times. Violence is
suicidal, he tells Peter: it is not defeated by more violence, but
by a superior spiritual energy that reaches out in the form of
healing love. Jesus touches the High Priest’s slave and heals
him. The violent man today too may need a healing touch that comes
from a love that transcends the immediate issues.
In times of conflict
between persons, ethnic and religious groups, nations, economic and
political interests, Jesus says, confrontation and violence are not
the answer, but love, persuasion and reconciliation.
Even when we seem to fail in such efforts, we plant the seeds of
peace which will bear fruit in due time. The rightness of our cause
is our strength.
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