Freely Given

"One of you will betray me" (John 13:21).

The story is shocking, just as ever now as it was the first time we heard it. Betrayed with a kiss, the Lord of Lords was handed over.

As we close in on the end of Holy Week, it’s good to turn this story over and over in our minds once more. What I find particularly striking is the reminder of just how much Jesus values our human freedom, and what that says about His love for us. Judas was able to be friend and follower, but also foe—because of love, and because true love sets us free.

So free, in fact, that we can abandon Him.

But, Jesus, how that makes me love You more.

I want to take the time to bask a little in this heart of Christ. The one that takes us as we are and wants so deeply to be loved by us. If He permits our freedom to intentionally choose Him, how much more can we entrust ourselves to His loving care? And if He loved Judas even as he betrayed Him, how totally astounding His love for you and me must be.

He will not force Himself on us, and He doesn’t demand our fidelty. But there He stands, arms stretched out. A free gift of love even in our most pitiful state, even when we don’t want it.

I want to resolve, once again, with the help of our Most Blessed Mother, to walk freely into the arms of her Son and Savior, into the arms of Love.

I want to resolve, once again, with the help of our Most Blessed Mother, to walk freely into the arms of her Son and Savior, into the arms of Love.Click to tweet

Tune into these Benedictine nuns for Holy Week chant.

Blythe Fike is the wife of Kirby and mother of 8 smallish kids. She loves the quiet life in small town SoCal. You can find out more about her here.