We are weak. We all have human weaknesses. As water presses against a dam, so the world, the flesh, and the devil constantly press you, probe you, and test you to find your weakness.

The crowds pressured Pilate until eventually they found his weakness, which was the inability to make a public decision to be a Friend of Caesar or follower of Jesus the Truth (see Jn 19:16). Pilate couldn't be both (Mt 6:24). He finally had to decide, and he refused to bring his weakness to Jesus. Thus Pilate decided against Jesus.

One of Judas' weaknesses was love of money. Eventually, Judas had to choose between money or Jesus. Judas' moment of decision might have been when Jesus sided with Mary of Bethany rather than himself over the "waste" of a year's worth of money as she poured out expensive perfume to anoint Jesus (compare Jn 12:4-6; Mt 26:8-13, with Mt 26:14-16). Judas was forced to choose between Jesus and money. Shortly thereafter, Judas chose money, and even sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:15).

Do not fear your weakness, nor the forces that probe you relentlessly. Give your weaknesses to Jesus. Then His power in you will reach perfection (2 Cor 12:10). "It is true [Jesus] was crucified out of weakness, but He lives by the power of God. We too are weak in Him, but we live with Him by God's power in us. Test yourselves to see whether you are living in faith; examine yourselves. Perhaps you yourselves do not realize that Christ Jesus is in you" (2 Cor 13:4-5).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008

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