Kindness That Does Not Withdraw: Wednesday of Holy Week

Lisbon, under the shadow of the cross.

"I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who tore out my beard; My face I did not hide from insults and spitting." Isaiah 50:6

The shadow lengthens as we draw nearer to the Cross. Today, betrayal is not just a possibility, it is already in motion. Jesus has shared bread with the one who will hand him over.

And still, Jesus does not withdraw.

In Isaiah (Isaiah 50:4-9a), we see a servant who is insulted, beaten, and spit upon — and still, he does not shield his face. He sets it like flint, confident that he is not alone. And the Psalmist (Psalm 69:8-10,21-22,31 and 33-34), heartbroken and humiliated, somehow finds the strength to sing, to glorify God with thanksgiving.

How?

Faith shines brightest when kindness comes at a cost, when love means holding on, when kindness is rejected and we choose to keep going anyway. That's not weakness, that is true strength.

Kindness that endures insult is not naïve. It sees the betrayal, feels the pain and yet, chooses the path of faithfulness. Jesus does not lash out. He does not expose Judas, he doesn't shame him. He shares bread with him. In a final act of tenderness, he lets him leave in peace.

What kind of love is this? A love that never stops being kind, not even to the one who betrays him.

Today, we are invited to sit with this mystery. To consider where in our lives we might be called to show a kindness that does not withdraw but continues, even when it is not returned, even when it is not recognized.

This is not easy. But we are not alone. The Lord God is our help. The one who suffered teaches us how to stand, how to sing, even through the brokenness.

Pray

Jesus, you met betrayal with gentleness, and insult with silence.
Teach me to love as you love, not with loud gestures, but with quiet faithfulness.
When I am tempted to retreat from kindness, give me courage.
When my heart is broken, teach me to sing.
Amen.

Be Inspired

"Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Photo: Karen Curjel, Lisbon, Portugal