The Arrest of Jesus

No fixed feast day in the calendar

Judas betrays Jesus, and Jesus willingly hands himself over to his captors.

Jesus is handed over and freely gives himself

As Jesus was speaking to his disciples, Judas arrived with a crowd armed with swords and clubs. He had chosen a sign to identify him: a kiss. When Judas approached and kissed Jesus, the Lord calmly asked, "Friend, what have you come for?" As the soldiers moved in, Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest's servant. However, Jesus stopped him, saying, "Put your sword back into its sheath." He affirmed that he could have asked his Father to send twelve legions of angels to save him, but he did not, because this was the moment for the sacrificial love of salvation to be fulfilled. Jesus was not captured as a helpless victim; he willingly handed himself over, taking full initiative in entering the path of suffering out of love for humanity.

Prayer

Self-giving love in the face of betrayal

Judas's betrayal exposes human weakness. It reminds us of the capacity to fall that lies in every person.
Jesus remains in total control. He is not captured, but willingly offers himself.

Jesus's freedom in handing himself over is the ultimate proof of his boundless love for you.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remain faithful to You and to offer my life to You, just as You willingly offered Yourself for me.

The text on this page is the card in the Catholic Information app, word for word.