Suffering Through Betrayal

Beads of Joy 08-08-11

Suffering Through Betrayal
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

You know this title really tells the entire truth behind how Jesus did indeed suffer, on multiple levels. Our betrayal with our sins continues to nail Jesus on that cross; and Judas’ greed led him to the ultimate betrayal to his friend, and our Lord. Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 17:22-27 (Second Prediction of the Passion – Payment of the Temple Tax). Ultimately it will be through His resurrection that Jesus would defeat death, but the only way to be resurrected, is that He must die first. The gospels predicted three times that Jesus would suffer and die. And honestly when the Apostles heard this, it must have scared them to some degree, like Jesus said to them, “You will be hated by everyone because of me,” Matthew 10:22. That same hatred will make them targets after Jesus was betrayed and murdered. What is betrayal? Sad topic to talk about for me; I know and understand betrayal. I am not a saint, and I am far from perfect, but betrayal from someone you love and trust cuts deep inside of you. It absolutely tears you apart.

Betrayal: defined. After researching such a horrible word, that only reveals a horrible action from another, it only further hurts seeing how Judas’ betrayal to Jesus was thoughtless and selfish. How can someone who loves you, says they love you, shows they love you and even acts like they love you; stab you in the back with lies and false accusations? Unfortunately it happens in our everyday world, every single day, at work for advancement and raises and bonuses of sorts; and sadly even at home between spouses and to and from children. Betrayal defined is like this: 1. To lead astray. 2. To deliver to an enemy by treachery. 3. To reveal unintentionally. 4. To prove false. It takes many lies, followed by more lies and continued with even more lies to really betray someone. So in the end, the one betraying, isn’t only a betrayer; but they are also a lying, back stabbing, untrusted person. How sad it is, when this person is someone you do trust in. There’s a saying, “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” I look and wonder what that really means in today’s reflection. Actually the closest ones to you, have the power to hurt you the most, why? I believe it’s because of the trust and love you share with that person. They know you well enough, to destroy you, even with all their lies. Sad how ruthless another will be to someone they love, out of selfishness.

How do we deal with betrayal? How did Jesus deal with betrayal? He didn’t defend himself against all the lies; He didn’t even argue or show hatred to those who hated Him; He only showed compassion and love to the very people who were out to kill Him, He even forgave them. How can we learn from this, to be like Him? It is a hard teaching, not an easy task by no means, for anyone. I honestly know what it’s like to be deceived, betrayed and then stabbed in the back by someone you love and adore so much; someone I would die for to protect. I understand how that persons lies, fueled by their selfishness to do what they want to do, can destroy others horribly. We all need to take a step back, kneel down in prayer and ask Jesus to help us, to guide us. We need to ask Him to help us to be like Him. God knows our hearts, He knows our intentions, and He also knows when we don’t know what to do. Simply trust in Him and ask Him to help guide you.

“Jesus, I trust in You.”


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple