Say YES to Jesus

“Judas took the morsel.” (John 13:27)

Jesus had just washed the feet of each of his disciples, including the one who would betray him. Then, predicting the betrayal, he reached out again to Judas, offering him a morsel of bread dipped in the common bowl. Far from using this gesture as a dismissal of a failed disciple, Jesus was giving Judas one more opportunity to recognize Jesus for who he was. It was a final outreach to a disciple who has lost his way and was consumed by bitterness and confusion.

Some Scripture scholars see in this passage a hint of the Eucharist. Judas took the morsel, but he still couldn’t perceive the gift being offered to him or the identity of the One giving it. Even after all that time he had spent with Jesus, Judas still couldn’t accept him in the way Peter and the others had. His heart, hardened by the choices he had made, was closed. As a result, he ate and drank his own condemnation.

Just as Jesus kept reaching out and offering himself to Judas, he does the same with us. Every time we receive communion, Jesus is handing us another opportunity to accept him into our lives more deeply. He invites us to put aside any obstacles we have set up to embracing his love.

Doesn’t this move your heart? Despite the choices we have made that have led us away from him, Jesus keeps on reaching out to us. Where our understanding of him is cloudy, he offers insight and clarity. Where our relationship with him is weak, he wants to deepen it. Every time we approach the altar to receive communion, we have another irreplaceable opportunity to change our lives a little bit more—and to welcome his grace and power in greater measure.

Every Mass gives you another opportunity to take the “morsel” in faith! Receive the gift of Jesus’ eucharistic presence, and accept the Giver who suffered and died for you. Let the Holy Spirit open your eyes and your heart so that you can welcome him into your life a little more. No matter where life’s choices have led you so far, it’s never too late. And as you say yes to him, you’ll find yourself rejoicing in his love and faithfulness!

“Jesus, I am overwhelmed by your love. You never stop reaching out to me and giving yourself to me. Help me to receive you with all my heart!”

--that in all things God will be glorified--