Choice Is Everything

28 Mar

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”  ~ J. K. Rowling

Today’s Gospel brings Lent to a close in a very sad and somber way: “Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, ‘Surely it is not I, Rabbi?’ [Jesus] answered, ‘You have said so.'”

No one held a gun to Judas’ head and made him betray Jesus. Judas did that all on his own. You cannot say it was because of the crowds, because of bad influence, or even because of the devil. Judas was disappointed in Jesus, Judas was apparently tempted by money, and Judas was also tempted by Satan. However, in the final analysis, Judas made a choice. His choice was a poor one, a tragic one. He decided to betray Jesus.

Our choices show what we truly are. Judas made the choice to betray Jesus and then could not accept the possibility that, with the Lord, there could be forgiveness. In desperation, fear, or shame, he ultimately hung himself because he could not live with the consequences of his actions.

On the other hand, Peter denied Jesus not once, not twice, but three times. He was in desperate shape immediately afterward, bursting into tears and running away. But, he came back to the Lord, accepted Jesus’ forgiveness, and staunchly proclaimed the resurrection.

We may have many abilities. We may be incredibly talented. Or, on the other hand, we might be quite limited in what we can do. Either way, our choices mark us both now and throughout our lives. Let your choices be good ones this day, as we prepare to enter into the holiest three days in the Church calendar, the Triduum.

FAITH ACTION:  Ask God to give you the discernment and wisdom that you need to make the proper choices today.