The feast of the Passover

Gospel

Matthew 26:14-25

'The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will'

One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?’ They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from that moment he looked for an opportunity to betray him.

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus to say, ‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the passover?’ ‘Go to so-and-so in the city’ he replied ‘and say to him, “The Master says: My time is near. It is at your house that I am keeping Passover with my disciples.”’ The disciples did what Jesus told them and prepared the Passover.

When evening came he was at table with the twelve disciples. And while they were eating he said ‘I tell you solemnly, one of you is about to betray me.’ They were greatly distressed and started asking him in turn, ‘Not I, Lord, surely?’ He answered, ‘Someone who has dipped his hand into the dish with me, will betray me. The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will, but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!’ Judas, who was to betray him; asked in his turn, ‘Not I, Rabbi, surely?’ ‘They are your own words’ answered Jesus.

Reflection

In this passage, the impending betrayal casts a shadow over the feast, yet Jesus speaks of purpose and fulfillment: the Son of Man goes to his fate “as the scriptures say.” The scene shows human fragility—Judas’ choice, the disciples’ distress, even Peter’s intensity—but it also reveals resilience: Jesus accepts suffering with calm resolve, inviting his friends to remember and share the Passover in faithfulness. The moment invites us to consider our own loyalties and motives. Do we follow Jesus for easy comforts, or can we endure discomfort for a greater good? The invitation remains to trust that God’s plan unfolds through our fallibility, not in spite of it.

Reflection Question

- How might I respond to a call from Jesus that challenges my own plans or comfort, and how can I cultivate the trust to stay faithful when I am tempted to betray or abandon trust?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me a faithful heart in times of trial. Help me see your plan at work even when it runs counter to my desires. Grant me the courage to stay near Jesus, to discern truth in moments of confusion, and to love others with honesty, even when it costs me. Form my heart to be faithful, so that I may serve your will with humility and trust. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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