patient with those who need it

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from John 11:55-12:19. John gives us the inside scoop about Judas - that even though he complained that the money Mary spent on oil for Jesus's feet should have been spent on the poor instead... he was really complaining because he stole money out of the purse shared by the disciples.

Now, you know Jesus knew about this. Even John knew it. And yet Jesus continued to allow Judas to hold the purse. He allowed Him to be one of His twelve disciples. He even allowed him to come to the last supper. Knowing that he was stealing from them. And knowing that he would betray Him in the end.

Why? Why would Jesus put up with him like that? Why didn't He kick him out? Why did He choose him to begin with?

Because He loved him. Just like He loves you and me, even though we're not entirely to be trusted either, are we? We're not exactly perfect ourselves. We do sin from time to time. And He trusts us with stuff, too. He allows us to follow Him. He even lets us come to receive the body and blood in the Eucharist... knowing that we're sinners, and that we're capable of betraying Him, too.

He's patient with us, just like He was with Judas, because He loves us.

God, thanks for Your patience with us. Help us to live up to it - and to learn not to do what Judas did.