On Wednesday, 01 April 2026, Wednesday of Holy Week, we reflect on Matthew 26:14-25. This passage reveals Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, fulfilling what was written about the Son of Man. Jesus prepares to celebrate the Passover with his disciples, warning that one among them will betray him. It is a somber moment that highlights the betrayal and the unfolding events leading to the Passion.

Catholic Reflections – Not I, Lord?

Date: Wednesday 01 April 2026

Liturgical: Wednesday of Holy Week

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (paraphrased for easy listening)

• Reflection on betrayal, self-examination, and fidelity

• Key points for Holy Week

• Concluding prayer

• Tags

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

Gospel Text:

‘The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to him by whom he is betrayed.’

At that time: One of the Twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where would you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.” ’ And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And as they were eating, he said, ‘Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’ And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, ‘Not I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.’ Judas, who would betray him, answered, ‘Not I, Rabbi?’ He said to him, ‘You have said so.’

Key Points:

1. Betrayal can come from within

Judas was one of the Twelve. Even those closest to Jesus can turn away.

2. The call to self-examination

“Is it I, Lord?” Each disciple looks inward. True discipleship requires honesty about our own hearts.

3. God’s plan and human freedom

Jesus fulfils what is written, yet each person remains responsible for their choices.

4. The danger of hidden sin

Judas walks with Jesus outwardly, but his heart has already turned away.

5. Stay close to Jesus

Holy Week invites us to remain faithful, not distant or divided in heart.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

search our hearts

and reveal anything that leads us away from You.

Give us the humility to ask,

“Is it I, Lord?”

and the courage to change.

Protect us from betrayal,

from hidden sin,

and from turning away from Your love.

Keep us faithful in this Holy Week,

close to You in every moment,

so that we may walk with You

through the Cross and into new life.

Amen.

Tags: Catholic, Holy Week, Wednesday of Holy Week, Matthew 26, Judas Iscariot, Betrayal, Last Supper, Self-Examination, Is It I Lord, Faithfulness, Sin, Conversion, Discipleship, Passion, Lent, Daily Gospel, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections