When Jesus announced that one of his disciples would betray Him, the 12 were befuddled. How could one of their own be responsible for betraying the master? Each of the apostles had their flaws, of course. Some were a bit hotheaded or slow to understand Jesus’ mission and identity. But, who would willingly and knowingly place their own will in competition with Christ’s? No one would be that arrogant, would they?
The Apostle Judas was likely a very capable young man. He
was given a position of some importance, to carry the money purse. He was
trusted by his fellow apostles. He had been sent out, by Jesus, just like the
others: to heal the sick and cast out demons and preach repentance and the
coming of the Kingdom of God. He was trusted, loved, he was called “friend” and
“brother.”
How did Judas go from trusted apostle to committing the
worst of betrayals?
Yesterday, we heard how Judas objected to the extravagant
display of affection for Jesus, when Mary anointed the Lord’s feet with
expensive oil and dried them with her hair. The oil, Judas explained, could
have been sold for much and the money given to the poor. St. John tells us, his
objection was not because Judas actually cared for the poor, but because he was
a thief—he stole, he was greedy.
Was Judas always a thief? Did Jesus call him as an apostle
knowing his tendency to skim a little something for himself? It could be. Jesus
after all called Matthew a tax collector. Tax collectors were known for extortion.
Or was Judas becoming a thief a slow descent into corruption
through a series of justifications—giving-in to one weakness after another.
If it can happen to an apostle, it can happen to us. And it
probably already has. During holy week, we aren’t meant to point fingers at
Jesus’ enemies and say, thank goodness I’m not like them. Rather, this week, we
point our fingers at ourselves, we beat our breasts as Jesus goes to the cross,
knowing that it is our fault, our fault, our most grievous fault.
And yet, he goes to the cross for you and for me out of
love.
Judas’ greed is contrasted in the Gospel with the lavish
love of Christ—which is evident not in lip-service. He doesn’t simply tell us
he loves us. He shows us. He suffers for us. Judas stole from the poor, Jesus
dies for the poor. Judas betrayed his friend, Jesus dies for his betrayers.
Unlike Judas, however, in these final days of Holy Week, we
acknowledge our need for a savior with ineffable gratitude that is meant to
change us to become more like Christ. May we respond as we should to the
unmerited grace of redemption for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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As we journey with Christ to the cross, let us bring our
prayers before the Father, trusting in His mercy and seeking the grace to
follow Jesus with integrity and love.
For the Church throughout the world: that during these
sacred days she may lead all people to deeper repentance and a more faithful
following of Christ, who gave himself up for us. Let us pray to the Lord.
For our Bishop, priests, and all of the faithful who will
gather this evening for the Chrism Mass, and that the Charity of the Church of
Cleveland may overflow like precious oil.
For those who, like Judas, have wandered from the path of
truth through sin or scandal: that they may encounter the mercy of Christ and
return with contrite hearts to the love of God.Let us pray to the Lord.
For those struggling with greed, dishonesty, or selfishness:
that the example of Christ’s sacrificial love may inspire true conversion and
generosity. Let us pray to the Lord.
For the poor, the forgotten, and the betrayed: that they may
know the compassionate love of Christ, who suffered for them and never abandons
them. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those preparing to be received into the Church at
Easter: that they may be strengthened in faith and filled with love for Christ
who calls them his friends. Let us pray to the Lord.
For our beloved dead: that through the mercy of Christ who
died for all, they may be raised to new and eternal life. Let us pray to the
Lord.
God of mercy, in your Son Jesus you have revealed your love
even to those who betray and abandon you. Hear the prayers we offer in humility
and gratitude, and grant us the grace to walk more faithfully in the footsteps
of Christ. Through Christ our Lord.
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