Holy Wednesday

Readings

Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 70, Hebrews 12:1-3, John 13:21-32

Any betrayal is extremely painful, but a betrayal by someone who was within the core group seems unfathomable.

Did the writer intend us to consider this terse sentence as more than just a reminder of time?

So, after receiving the piece of bread, Judas immediately went out.

And it was night. (John 12:30)

In contrast to the darkness of betrayal, and just beyond the end of the set reading, comes the commandment to love one another (verse 30).

With these two thoughts in mind, we turn to confession in the words of a hymn by Christopher Ellis:

Almighty God, we come to make confession, 
for we have sinned in thought and word and deed.  
We now repent in honesty and sorrow; 
forgive us, Lord, and meet us in our need.

Forgiving God, I come to make confession 
of all the harm and hurt that I have done; 
of bitter words and may selfish actions, 
forgive me, Lord, and make me like your Son.

Forgiving God, I come to make confession 
of all that I have failed to do this day; 
of help withheld, concern and love restricted, 
forgive me, Lord, and lead me in your way.

Redeeming God, we come to seek forgiveness, 
for Jesus Christ has died to set us fee.  
Forgive the past and fill us with your Spirit 
that we may live to serve you joyfully.

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