Today, the day upon which Judas betrayed Jesus, we can think especially of those initial moments of temptation that we find so attractive — and when we have decided that it was “better” to betray Our Lord to His enemies than to resist the temptations which lead to emptiness and sadness.

And we can look to the beautiful prayer of the Divine Liturgy before Holy Communion, make an act of contrition and ask the Lord to come to us spiritually.

O Lord, I believe and profess that you are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the first.

Accept me today as a partaker of your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal your mystery to your enemies, nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I profess to you:

Remember me, O Lord, when you come in your kingdom.
Remember me, O Master, when you come in your kingdom.
Remember me, O Holy One, when you come in your kingdom.

May the partaking of your Holy mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation, but for the healing of my soul and body.

O Lord, I also believe and profess, that this, Which I am about to receive, is truly your most precious Body, and your life-giving Blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting. Amen.

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number.