MATTHEW 26:14-16
Betrayal can set off a cascade of intricate feelings.
On Wednesday of the Holy Week, the Church commemorates Judas’ betrayal. Judas Iscariot, who had been chosen by Christ to be a pillar of the church, sold Jesus for the price of a slave.
At the Last Supper, Jesus is overwhelmed by the anguish of the approaching Passion and the heartbreak of abandonment by his loved ones. He warned the apostles that one of them would betray him. The apostles, with their own failings and trust in Christ’s words, are surprised when Jesus tells them that anyone who has dipped their hand in the dish with him will betray him. Judas, who betrayed Jesus, asks if he is the one.
The betrayal of Jesus was not the product of a single foolish moment but rather the accumulation of numerous little acts of infidelity. A pivotal incident that occurs a few days before the Passover is found in the Gospel of John. It concerns Mary of Bethany’s apparent wasting of expensive ointment when she anointed Jesus. For what seems to be a selfless motive, Judas dares to criticise her actions. But according to John 12:6, he did this not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief who used to take what was put into the money bag that was in his custody.
Nevertheless, the love of God, who continually calls each person and waits for our return, is greater than any offence or any human frailty.
The story of Judas reminds us that God’s mercy is always available. If we go to our Lord instead of progressing in transgressions and allow grace to enter our hearts, everything can be made whole and our wounds can be healed by Christ.
🙏 Lord Jesus, deliver us from falling deeper into the pit of sin.
📷: gabrielabertolini
