MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 15 APRIL
April 15, 2025
Day Thirty-Seven of Lent – The Earth is Shaken
April 16, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
15 APRIL, 2025
John 13:21-33,36-38
Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified,
“Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant.
One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved,
was reclining at Jesus’ side.
So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.
He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him,
“Master, who is it?”
Jesus answered,
“It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.”
So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas,
son of Simon the Iscariot.
After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him.
So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him.
Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him,
“Buy what we need for the feast,”
or to give something to the poor.
So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
When he had left, Jesus said,
“Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself,
and he will glorify him at once.
My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
You will look for me, and as I told the Jews,
‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?”
Jesus answered him,
“Where I am going, you cannot follow me now,
though you will follow later.”
Peter said to him,
“Master, why can I not follow you now?
I will lay down my life for you.”
Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me?
Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow
before you deny me three times.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In John 13:21-33,36-38, Jesus reveals the betrayal He is about to face, showing His deep sorrow and love even for the one who would turn against Him. Despite knowing Peter’s coming denial, Jesus speaks with compassion and forbearance. This passage reminds us of Christ’s unwavering love in the face of human weakness and failure. It also gives us hope that the Lord’s love will remain unchanged, forevermore.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You knew the pain of betrayal and the sting of denial, yet You chose love and obedience. Strengthen our hearts to remain faithful, even in trials. Forgive our failures, and draw us closer to You each day. May we love and serve our brethren, like You taught us to, by Your humility and example. Amen
