"The kisses of an enemy are deceitful." I must be on guard when the world pretends to be loving, for it will betray me, just as it did my Master, with a kiss. When someone plots against faith, they often pretend to respect it deeply. I need to be cautious of smooth hypocrisy that supports falsehood and disbelief. Knowing how unrighteousness deceives, I must be as wise as a serpent to recognize and avoid the enemy's schemes.

The young man, lacking understanding, was misled by the kiss of a deceitful woman. May my soul be so wisely taught today that the world's flattery has no influence over me. Holy Spirit, let me not, a fragile human, be betrayed with a kiss! What if I'm guilty of the same sin as Judas?

I'm baptized into Jesus' name, a member of His Church, and I sit at the communion table. These are like kisses from me. Am I sincere in them? If not, I'm a traitor. Do I live carelessly like others while claiming to be Jesus' follower?

If so, I bring shame to faith and cause others to speak against the holy name I bear. If I act like this, I'm no better than Judas, and it would be better if I'd never been born. Can I dare to hope I'm free from this guilt? Lord, help me stay that way.

Lord, make me honest and genuine. Keep me from every false path. Let me never betray my Savior. Jesus, I do love you. Though I often grieve you, I want to remain faithful even to death. God, keep me from being a boastful believer who ultimately falls and betrays my Master with a kiss.