AECI Lent 2026 Reflection: 'Am I In The Picture? A Screen Journey' (Holy Thursday)

AECI Lent 2026 Reflection: 'Am I In The Picture? A Screen Journey'

(With reference to Pier Paolo Pasolini's 'Gospel According to St Matthew 1964)

Opening Prayer:

'God,

Grant me the serenity

To accept the things

I cannot change,

Courage to change

The things I can,

And wisdom

To know the difference.'

Amen

Holy Thursday

'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.' (Matthew 26: 47-50)

Those who point to the prospect of human change and to the embrace of 'peace' and 'wisdom' within our lives are often threatened with ridicule, condemnation and violence.

RECALL: Any moments that you have witnessed unfairness or injustice.

ASK: How has Judas Iscariot come to this point? What might have been the forces at work in his life that have led him towards an act of betrayal and a deceitful 'kiss'?

REFLECT : Your 'interior life' (what St. Teresa of Avila writes of as 'the greatest splendour' within) draws us towards an intimacy with the Eternal, free from deceit, delusion and division. As we journey into the Easter weekend, we reject the language of violence and injustice and hold to the actions of a sincere love and faithful 'friendship'.