Advent Devotional: Dec 1

Scripture Readings: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 | Isaiah 4:2-6 | Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness..May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. (Psalm 72:1, 5)

Judas is a controversial figure in our faith. He is called by Jesus and leaves everything to follow him, just like the other apostles. But when the rulers decide that Jesus is a threat to their power and must be eliminated, it is Judas who agrees to lead them to Jesus in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. What happens to Judas after Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion is murky. The Gospel of Matthew says Judas returned the silver to the rulers and hanged himself. The Book of Acts says Judas purchased a field with the money and died a gruesome death there. There has been speculation for ages about why Judas made the decisions he did, how Judas died, and whether or not Judas experienced redemption in his death.

I am content to leave Judas in the hands of our merciful God because I recognize that the decisions Judas made ultimately led me to eternal life. Jesus was captured because of Judas, but that betrayal set God’s greatest act of salvation into motion. The rulers thought Judas would help them overcome Jesus. But, nothing can overcome Jesus. Not even death.

Peter did not condemn Judas when he spoke about him in the upper room. Instead, Peter looked past the darkness of Judas’ story and forward to what God would do next. The act of replacing Judas with another apostle is an act of audacious hope. A new apostle would join the rest to carry out the commandment to make disciples of all the world. Jesus, the Son of God Most High, endures forever and his kingdom has no end. No power on earth or in heaven can overcome Christ. 

Prayer response: Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen. 

Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
Scripture taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica, Inc.
Prayer: Advent Prayer by Henri Nouwen, Dynamic Catholic

Reflection by Rev. Serena J. Wolfe