St.

Paul University Surigao

St. Paul University System
8400 Surigao City, Philippines

APARICI, Joenetha Ann P. April 7, 2021

BSCE-III Religious Education
JOURNAL 3
Biblical text: Matthew 26:14-25
Guide Questions for Journaling:

1. What word, phrase, line or verse is most meaningful to you? (LECTIO) repeated,
reverent reading of the suggested biblical text.
2. What is the Lord telling you in that most meaningful word, phrase, line or verse?
(MEDITATIO) entering into the truth of the text.
3. How have I concretely experienced this most meaningful word, phrase, line or
verse in my life? (focus on one experience only) Talk to Jesus, the Living Word.
(ORATIO) Listen to Jesus (CONTEMPLATIO)
4. What feelings were evoked during your time of prayer?
5. (ACTIO) is making fruitful what the Word has taught us. What does the text want
me to do?

Reflection:
The phrases, "Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the
chief priests and said, 'What will you give me if I betray him to you?' They paid him thirty
pieces of silver." and, "When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while
they were eating, he said, 'Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.' Judas, who betrayed
him, said, 'Surely not I, Rabbi?' He replied, 'You have said so'" hit me the most (LECTIO).
The phrases depicted betrayal and showed that each one of us has a price. Judas was a
man appointed by Jesus, a man he had trusted but ended up as the man who betrayed him
in return for just thirty pieces of silver. But despite that, Jesus still approached him as a
close friend. Jesus does not take revenge, no matter how badly Judas betrayed him
(MEDITATIO). There were times in my life that a friend or a loved one has betrayed me.
But, there are also occurrences where I am the one who betrayed them. After reading the
passage, I have apprehended that there were just two things to do; Forgive when you are
the one who has been offended and don't refuse to believe in the possibility of forgiveness
when you have sinned. In all sorts of weakness in our lives, the love of God prevails
(ORATIO and CONTEMPLATIO). No matter what mistake we have made, let us bravely
acknowledge our faults and turn to Jesus for forgiveness and healing because Jesus will
never stop loving us; no matter what we do, he will continue to bring us closer to him
(ACTIO).