Reflections for Lent 2026: Is it I, Lord?

May we be inspired to extend that same grace to those who feel like they don’t deserve a place at his table. At the end of the day, what matters is not our deserving a place, but that the table of our Lord is wide enough to fit even those that are not deserving.

By Rev. Justin Colón, Robinson School, San Juan, Puerto Rico

In Latin American countries, it is common to find parents naming their children after biblical figures. Jesus, John, Joseph are all staples of boys’ names, but I’ve never met a Judas.

As we approach the events of the arrest and execution of Jesus, we tend to view Judas Iscariot in a singular light. How could it be possible that he would betray Jesus? How could someone be so close to Jesus for that long and trade him for just 30 pieces of silver?  

But as I read the events of the Last Supper, I can’t help but notice the reaction of the disciples to the news that one of them would betray Jesus. They didn’t all look to Judas, pointing a finger at the obvious culprit. One by one, each questioned: Is it I, Lord? Could it be me?

Truth be told, only one of them betrayed Jesus, but all of them could have. We should not adopt a “holier than thou” attitude when witnessing the faults of others but recognize that we all have the propensity to self-centeredness and betrayal. The beauty of this passage is the fact that Jesus was sharing a table with not just the one who would betray him but was sharing a meal with a group that were all capable of betraying him. In just a few hours, Peter would deny him three times, the rest would run and hide, none showing any valor or courage. Yet Jesus still shares a table with them. And Jesus still invites us to his table. His love and grace make provision for our weaknesses.

May we be comforted by the confidence that, despite our shortcomings and betrayals, our Lord has made a way for us to enter into communion with him, to take our place at his table. May we be inspired to extend that same grace to those who feel like they don’t deserve a place at his table. At the end of the day, what matters is not our deserving a place, but that the table of our Lord is wide enough to fit even those that are not deserving.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for making a place for us at your table. We do not have to worry about being enough, because your love is enough. May we never forget our propensity to betrayal. May we be confident not in ourselves but in you. Help us widen our table to those who may feel they have no place in this world. As you have forgiven us, help us to be ambassadors of that forgiveness. Amen.

Rev. Justin Colón
School Chaplain
Robinson School, San Juan, Puerto Rico