Holy Wednesday

April 1 – Wednesday of Holy Week
Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34, Matthew 26:14-25

Reflection: In today’s readings, everyone seems to be putting on brave faces. Isaiah sets his face “like flint” before an insulting and humiliating crowd. Jesus sits calmly at table with Judas and doesn’t rat him out for his betrayal, even when Judas directly asks, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Judas may have the greatest poker face of all, because he sits through that entire dinner- even through the Institution of the Eucharist!- without cracking under the weight of his own crime. Each of them has a certain face they need to present to the outside world.

But amid these rock-like demeanors, there’s a deeply vulnerable Psalm. “Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak. I looked for sympathy, but there was none; for consolers, not one could I find…. Lord, in your great love, answer me.”

Sometimes, we have to face the world while our hearts are deeply aching. In those times, it may be necessary to set our faces like flint so we can deliver an important message, have a difficult conversation, or stand firm against persecution. It can be tempting to keep those walls up all the time, even in prayer- after all, the brave face is what keeps us from totally falling apart, right?

Don’t fall into that trap. There is no need to keep those walls up in front of God. In fact, this week is an especially good time to let Him into our weakest, most callous places. God may strengthen us to endure humiliation from the outside world, but that is not how He treats us in our vulnerability. When we cry in great distress, God answers us in even greater love. We can be strengthened without being hardened.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the strength and perseverance to face my greatest hardships. Soften me in prayer, that I may see You as my Redeemer and not another enemy to face.

Closing: As you prepare for Triduum, reflect on Jesus’ strength and vulnerability in His Passion. How can you show your face to Him, as He shows Himself to us in that ultimate sacrifice?

Sarah Hensler is the Assistant Archivist for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. She attends the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains.

Reprinted with permission From The Catholic Telegraph, Archdiocese of Cincinnati