When Judas walked through the door with his hand out, the chief priests and the legal experts knew it was just a matter of time. Afraid to make their move to arrest Jesus because of his popularity and large following, they shook hands with evil and waited for the right moment.
In a recent discussion group, the question came up: could Jesus have walked away into the darkness? Hidden from his persecutors? Escaped he cross? I think the answer is yes; he could have escaped the suffering and death that clearly awaited him, but he knew that there is no resurrection without crucifixion. Let me say it another way: transformation can’t happen without change. When we pray for personal transformation…to be stronger in faith, able to care for the poor, more compassionate toward the outcast and the alien…something has to change in order for the prayer to become practical reality. Personal schedules, depth of knowledge, attitude…transformation won’t happen unless I am willing to welcome the necessary change(s) that will open the door to my new self.
Jesus knew what was coming. He could have disappeared into the night. On this Wednesday of Holy Week, sit in meditation with this question: Why? When he had the chance to live, why did he choose to die? Wouldn’t it be amazing to trust God so much that you would be willing to make the Jesus Choice? To let the world see that, from the smallest personal change to the most profound change that might affect an entire culture, something dies so that something new can emerge. We call it Easter. Jesus called it absolute trust and selfless courage. The person you want to be is on the other side of that cross. It’s your choice.
Shining Spirit 
Thanks for another meaningful message. May your and Sue’s Holy Week be blessed.