Reflection for April 1 Wednesday of Holy Week: Matthew 26:14-25

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you? They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.  

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples. The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.  

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?  

He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

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Reflection:

Do we open our homes—and our hearts—as a shelter for those in need?

Who was the man who opened his house to Jesus and His apostles? We do not know his name, yet his quiet act of generosity speaks powerfully to us. He did not seek recognition or reward. With a willing and humble heart, he simply offered what he had. His home became a sacred place where the Lord was welcomed and honored.

In contrast, Judas was also there with Jesus and the other apostles, yet his presence was not rooted in love or communion. While he sat among them, his heart was already drifting away. Beneath the surface, he was nurturing a plan of betrayal.

The Gospel reveals Judas’ growing attachment to mammon, to worldly wealth that slowly consumed his heart. Why did he betray his Lord and Master? Because he allowed darkness to enter and take hold within him. What began as temptation became consent, and what was once hidden eventually led to destruction.

This invites us to reflect deeply on our own lives. We may be close to Jesus outwardly—through prayer, service, or religious practice—but what truly dwells within our hearts? Are we, like the unnamed host, quietly offering ourselves in love and generosity? Or are there hidden attachments, temptations, or compromises that we allow to grow?

We must be vigilant. The moment we allow evil even the smallest foothold in our lives, it begins to take root. And if left unchecked, it can lead us farther away from the Lord than we ever intended.

Today, we are called not only to open our homes but to open our hearts fully to Jesus. Let us welcome Him with sincerity, guard our hearts with humility, and choose faithfulness over compromise each day.

As we reflect, let us ask ourselves: Are we truly making room for Jesus in our lives, or are we allowing subtle temptations to quietly take His place in our hearts?— Marino J. Dasmarinas