We waited until we knew the grandsons were napping this afternoon… before making a “socially distant” drop-off of Easter goodies on their front stoop.
Somehow, the cloak-and-dagger tactics seemed to fit the day.
Sorry, you two: Only “virtual” hugs are available this Holy Week!
Momma was in on the details of our drive-by scheme, of course. But we knew the little guys wouldn’t understand why Gramps and Grandma couldn’t stay and give them a hug today – so, better safe than sorry: We made our drop like spies in the night, trusting that soon enough the gummy bears and chocolate treats would remind the boys that we love ‘em and we miss ‘em.
And it was a delight to discover that the little guys had prepared a Triduum treat for us as well: A couple of colorfully decorated Easter eggs, fashioned from empty applesauce cups.
Then when I broke open one of the “eggs”, my heart skipped a beat: Grandson #1 had enclosed a personal treasure – a Hot Wheels 4X4 Monster Truck.
If you spend any time around three-and-half-year-old boys, then you know this is a gift not given lightly. In their world, Hot Wheels are worth their weight in silver. Especially a fire-engine-red 4X4.
Clearly, the little one was not counting the cost when he included so precious a treat in the egg intended for his dear ol Gramps and Grandma. And when you receive such a gift, you begin to wonder if a guy like Judas Iscariot ever experienced that kind of generosity as he was growing up.
With hearts open wide, we are free to share the very best we have with others!
Judas grabs the spotlight today – on Wednesday of Holy Week (a.k.a. Spy Wednesday) – not for his generosity, but for his treachery:
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand [Jesus] over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver…
Surely, Jesus must have known this calculating side of Judas. Jesus must have understood the man’s defect of character…perhaps because he knew something of the trauma Judas had experienced in order to turn his heart to stone.
Jesus tried to love Judas through the temptation, the betrayal. But in the end, Jesus respected Judas’ freedom, too.
“You have said so.”
And sadly, selfishness wins the day – running roughshod over Love…like a Monster Truck 4X4.
It’s something to ponder, is it not — as we explore the darkest recesses of our own hearts…on this eve of Triduum, the holiest season of the year?
Let us pause now…to recall that we are in the presence of the Holy & Merciful One.
IHS
With Us Still 
Great stuff . . .
Thanks, Mike… and Easter blessings to you and yours!
What a generous gift from your grandson! Interesting insight on Judas…I always feel sad for Judas. He must have had many complexities, and Jesus did love him, choose him, and I believe forgive him.
Indeed: let’s hope that none of us is beyond the reach of God’s mercy!