contriving means to seize him, but Judas told them, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He; hold Him." Then were verified the words of the Royal Prophet, " Many dogs have encompassed me; the council of the malignant hath besieged me." (Ps. xxi. 17.)
III. Christ did not fly, nor render Himself invisible, as He might easily have done, nor call down fire from heaven to consume His enemies, as did Elias, but from his desire of suffering for us, courageously went to meet them. " He was offered because it was His own will." (Is. liii. 7.) Be grateful for his passion, learn constancy in adversity, and do not avoid occasions of suffering for Christ, but meet them rather with courage and resolution, like your divine Instructor.
TUESDAY.
Judas Betrays Christ.
I. " And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said, Hail Rabbi, and he kissed Him." (Matt. xxvi. 49.) Reflect on the impudence of this treacherous disciple. He fawns upon his Master to destroy Him. Such precisely are the allurements of the world; they appear to be sincere embraces, but they are mingled with poison. They are darts, that wound the soul. " His words are smoother than oil, and the same are darts." (Ps. liv. 22.) Alas, how many are there who carry the outward garb of devotion, and fondly fawn upon our Lord, whilst their minds are hypocritical and treacherous! How many deal in fair and honeyed words, whilst their hearts are filled with enmity, envy, jealousy, and rancor against their neighbor! Take care your character be different from these; do not embrace Christ in the sacrament so treacherously as did His unworthy Apostle.
