Don't be a Judas, be a John

It is given to all men that Judas dips with Jesus in the dish, but it is given to only a few that St. John leans on the bosom of his dear Master, (John 13: 23). The Lord's Supper and baptism are blessed things, but there's something far more intimate and beautiful when a person leans on Christ's bosom. It's an act of trust and love. It shows that John loves Jesus deeply and trusts him completely.

It wasn't given to Judas because he didn't have that same love and trust. Judas only had room in his heart for betrayal. There is no greater act of love than to lean on the bosom of Christ. It shows that we trust him completely and love him deeply.

So the attitude of this beloved disciple is positively where we should be when we pray,
by listening to God's word,
and going about our various duties.
It's only when we come close to the Savior's heart that our own becomes tender, sensitive to his misery,
and that we are cured of the lukewarmness and indifference that stifle the spirit of piety.
This happy closeness to the Savior is the most effective way of keeping us in deep humility,
to bind us more closely to him, and to inspire in us an aversion to all that displeases him.

What can I say?
From a wretched hellfire firebrand, she makes a new creature in the likeness of Jesus Christ. Don't assume that your condition is as it should be,
and don't think of yourself as an advanced Christian,
in the way of salvation, until you have reached the point of living in continual communion of heart with the beloved Son who is in the bosom of the Father (John I, 18).

Go confidently to the Father's throne,
to beg him to reveal and glorify his Son in you.
He will certainly listen to your request, and your wishes will be fulfilled.
There's no request you can make that's more pleasing to him, and that he's so happy to grant.

Why did the Father of mercies want his dear Son to come out of his womb into the world?
It is to make it a visible sign in the eyes of all sinners, and an eternal monument to his infinite love..

P. Clémentine