Mosaiek Church Lent 2025: Jesus' Questions in SufferingSample

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.7 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

-Gal 5:16-17 (NLT)

It is difficult to understand how Judas could make such a choice to betray Jesus. Judas witnessed and experienced Jesus’ calling firsthand. He was Jesus’ financial manager. The Lord’s eternal plan was unfolding before Judas and the other disciples. So, how could this happen?

In our humanity, there is a complex interplay between our flesh and the spirit. Paul also mentions this when he speaks of the fruit of the Spirit versus the fruit of our sinful nature. Our sinful nature becomes visible in our disordered attachments or tendencies. These are those things that we may rely on a little too quickly, or cling to too tightly.

Judas’ actions can encourage us to reflect on the complex interplay of emotional, spiritual, rational, and logical influences in our own lives that can lead us down a destructive path. This self-awareness can help us make better decisions and stay true to our values ​​and beliefs, even in difficult times.

Paul encourages us to experience the freedom the spirit brings more deeply by letting go of those attachments. My focus is not on perfection but on perseverance in allowing God to change me and free me from my disordered attachments through the fruit of His spirit.

Reflection: I examine within myself which attachments in my heart keep me from surrendering to the Lord's work in me and through me.

Prayer: I ask for the grace to become aware of my shortcomings and receive Your forgiveness for them.