The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Fourth Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Jn 13:16-20*

*First Reading : Acts 13:13-25*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27*

*The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.*

*1) The Great Quote*

*“The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me”*—is found in Psalm 41:9.

Later this verse is echoed by Jesus in John 13:18 during the Last Supper. 

It speaks of a profound betrayal, one made more painful because it comes from someone close and trusted.

*2) A Personal Betrayal*

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, to eat together was a sign of fellowship, peace, and trust. 

Betrayal by someone who had dined at your table wasn’t just an act of disloyalty—it was a violation of covenantal relationship.

This verse captures the sting of treachery from a friend, rather than an enemy.

*3) Foreshadowing Judas' Betrayal*

Jesus quotes this verse in John 13:18: *“He who shared my bread has turned against me.”*

Here, Jesus reveals that Judas Iscariot, one of His chosen Twelve, will betray Him. 

The verse becomes a prophetic window into the suffering Christ would endure—not only the physical agony of the cross, but the emotional and spiritual pain of betrayal by someone He loved and invested in.

*4) A Reflection of Christ’s Suffering and Human Experience*

This moment reminds us that Jesus knows the pain of betrayal. 

He is not distant from human suffering. He has walked that road Himself. 

For anyone who has ever been betrayed by a friend, this verse offers both empathy and solace: Jesus understands.

*5) The Mystery of Free Will and God’s Sovereignty*

Even though Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, He still washed his feet (John 13:5–11), shared bread with him, and addressed him as “friend” (Matthew 26:50).

This challenges us to consider the depth of divine mercy and love, and the tension between divine foreknowledge and human freedom.

*6) Invitation to Examine Our Hearts*

This verse is not only about being betrayed; it also urges self-examination. 

At the Last Supper, when Jesus announced a betrayal, each disciple asked, *“Is it I, Lord?”* (Matthew 26:22). 

It’s a sobering reminder to keep watch over our own hearts, to remain faithful in our relationship with Christ and others.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*