“In today’s Gospel, one simple line is very powerful: “And it was night.”
It does not only describe the time. It describes what was happening in the heart of Judas.
Because when Judas left Jesus, he did not just step into the darkness outside—he stepped into the darkness within.
And if we are honest, this is something we can relate to.
Because “night” is not only outside.
Sometimes, it happens in our lives.
Let me give some concrete examples.
It is night when we choose what is wrong, even if we know what is right.
For example:
- A businessman who cheats in order to earn more.
- A worker who takes what is not his.
- A public servant who chooses corruption over integrity.
At first, it seems small. Just one compromise. Just one decision.
But slowly… the heart becomes dark.
And without noticing it, “it is night.”
It is night when relationships are broken and we refuse to forgive.
Think of:
- Families divided because of inheritance or misunderstandings.
- Friends who no longer speak to each other.
- Couples who live in the same house but no longer talk.
Instead of healing, we hold on to pride.
Instead of reaching out, we withdraw.
And the longer we stay there, the darker it becomes.
“And it is night.”
It is night when we lose our direction and our hope.
Many people today are struggling:
- Because of rising prices, unstable work, and daily pressures.
- Because of the ongoing conflicts in the world that affect our economy.
- Because of anxiety, loneliness, or mental burdens.
Sometimes people say, “Wala na gyud ko kahibalo unsaon pagpadayon.”
That confusion, that heaviness—that too is a kind of night.
But my dear brothers and sisters, the Gospel does not only show us the night of Judas. It also shows us the heart of Jesus.
Even when Judas leaves, even when Peter will deny Him, Jesus does not stop loving. He remains faithful. He remains light.
Because even in the darkest night, the love of Jesus does not disappear.
And this is our hope.
Because unlike Judas, we are not meant to remain in the night.
Peter also failed. He denied Jesus. But Peter did not stay in the darkness. He came back. He allowed Jesus to forgive him. And his life was transformed.
So today, the Lord is inviting us:
- If there is dishonesty in our life—come back to the light.
- If there is anger or pride—take the first step to reconcile.
- If there is confusion or heaviness—do not carry it alone. Bring it to Jesus.
Because the moment we turn back to Him, the night begins to end.
Final Words
My dear brothers and sisters, in our world today, there is so much darkness—war, economic hardship, broken relationships, loss of values. But we are not called to add more darkness.
We are called to be light.
- In our homes—by choosing love.
- In our work—by choosing honesty.
- In society—by choosing what is right, even if it is difficult.
So let us remember: “And it was night.”
That is what happens when we walk away from Jesus.
But when we walk with Him—even in suffering, even in uncertainty—there is always light.”