While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.  Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”  Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me.  But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Matthew 26:47 – 56

Jesus has one thing in mind, to be the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world.  The clock is ticking.  The cross is looming.  The next hours will be full of terrible things for the Son of Man.  His one Judean disciple, Judas, is part of the process.  His kiss is not a sign of love but of betrayal.  The hated Roman swords are raised and praised by the Jewish leaders.  The eleven disciples quake.  Their hesitant use of their own sword was nothing against the legions of Romans.

It is hard to believe that the Co-Creator of the universe, the Son of God, is now a prisoner of Rome and hated by his own people.  He stands there alone.  Alone in the garden.  Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.  Is there greater desolation?

And to realize that he is doing this for me, for you, for all who will believe!  No mind can take it in, no heart can feel the trauma and turmoil.  What can we say?  The love of God in Jesus Christ is wonderful and powerful beyond our telling.  It was for me!  My heart breaks in penance and praise.