Holy Week 2026 - Tuesday - Judas' sins against faith, hope, and love

 

Three characters have three different responses to Jesus in the Gospel today. John, the beloved disciples lays his head on Jesus’ chest.  Peter, confesses his desire to follow Jesus even unto death, but at the sight of the cross flees in fear.  And Judas, with betrayal in his heart goes into the night. 

Sometimes we are like John: we have moments of great intimacy with Jesus, of deep prayer and unshakable love for the Lord.  Of all the apostles, it is John who stands at the cross with the Blessed Mother. 

Sometimes, we are like Peter: we can be so pious and enthusiastic one moment, saying, “Master, I will lay down my life for you”, and then the next moment, when discipleship becomes difficult and costly, we are running away in fear.

And then sometimes we are like Judas: rejecting the light and slinking off into the darkness—to sin.

We’ve have all been like Judas, from time to time, in some form or another. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, we betray him often for so much less, a moment of passing pleasure, a juicy morsel of gossip, a resentment allowed to grow into hatred, greed for money and material things that keep us from charity towards the poor.

What led Judas to betray the Lord?

Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Jesus and instead called him “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher—nothing more than a human teacher. While it is never stated explicitly, it seems that Judas failed to make the leap of faith—that Jesus was God.

When the synoptic gospels list the Twelve, they are always listed in the same general order with slight variations. The general order indicates the relative closeness of their personal relationship with Jesus. Despite the variations, Peter and the brothers James and John are always listed first, which is consistent with their relationships with Jesus. Judas is always listed last, indicating his lack of love. Not to mention Judas' scoffing complaint when Mary anoints the Lord's feat with oil from the alabaster jar.

Third, Judas was consumed with greed to the point of betraying the trust of not only Jesus, but also his fellow disciples. He put his hope in mammon.

Judas lacked faith, hope, and love. And so do we, every time we sin.

Christians, rather, are to be animated by faith, hope, and love—what we call the three theological virtues. We are to practice faith, that he is God, and center our lives in worship and obedience to Him. We are to practice hope, putting our trust not in money, or created things, but in Him to save us and fulfill us. And we are to practice love—laying our ear next to the heart of Jesus, like John the beloved, through daily and frequent prayer.

Faith, hope, and love. The three theological virtues unite us with the life of God. As we enter into the most sacred three days of the Church year—the sacred triduum—may our faith, hope, and love increase, that as Jesus, the Lord, journeys to the cross for our salvation, we may journey with him, uniting our lives to Him, entrusting our souls to Him, for the glory of God and 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, that she may remain close to the heart of Christ, faithful in worship, steadfast in hope, and radiant in charity, let us pray to the Lord.

For those preparing for Christian Initiation at Easter: for the grace to follow Christ through death into new life. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who flee the cross out of fear, for those whose faith is weak, for those who have placed their trust in wealth, success, pleasure, or other passing things, for those trapped in serious sin, resentment, greed, or betrayal: for God’s grace to touch theirs and the most hardened hearts, let us pray to the Lord.

For all who suffer, especially the poor, the anxious, the lonely, and the sick, that they may find comfort in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and be aided by the charity of His disciples, let us pray to the Lord.

For the faithful departed, that having hoped in Christ in this life, they may now share forever in the joy of His Resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, you call us to remain with your Son in faith, hope, and love. Hear the prayers we place before you, and draw us ever more deeply into the mystery of His saving Passion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Holy Week 2025 - Wednesday - The callousness of betrayal and sin

 

"What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?"

These callous and chilling words of Judas reveal a heart entrenched in selfishness and spiritual blindness. Judas, who had witnessed firsthand the miracles of Christ—healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding thousands, teaching truth and mercy—chooses to value his own immediate gain above everything that Jesus embodied—reducing the infinite value of Jesus—the Son of God, the Savior—to a mere commodity, something negotiable, exchangeable for earthly silver. 

Consider that Judas lived, ate, and traveled with Christ; he experienced the compassion and love of the Savior directly. Judas’ willingness to conspire with those who sought Jesus’ life shows a heart hardened by a series of choices where greed, self-interest, and pride displaced faith, loyalty, and love, if those things ever really took root.

In the end, Judas chose himself over Christ—valuing Jesus less than a handful of coins. The betrayal was not simply about money; Judas rejected the call to conversion, the eternal value of turning away from the self in order to embrace Christ and the eternal life offered through him. 

How could anyone reject the pricelessness of Jesus’ identity, dignity, and mission? But isn’t that what sin is, the exchange of life for a passing enticement?

Here on the threshold of the Paschal Triduum, Judas’ words remind us how easily any of us can fall into the temptation of placing worldly gains—wealth, status, pleasure, or power—above fidelity to Christ and His Gospel. 

Judas’ greed serves as a sober reminder of the need to cling closely to Christ, valuing His presence and truth above all else, knowing that Jesus values our souls more than his life. Jesus goes to the Cross to redeem Judas and to redeem us all, to examine our own hearts to ensure that we value nothing more than Jesus—To fortify ourselves against any earthly enticements that might tempt us to callously choose sin over Jesus. 

May the example of Judas serve at least as reminder of how subtle temptations can grow into outright rejection if we are not vigilant against them, and the need to reject fleeting rewards in order to embrace instead the eternal value found only in faithful, humble devotion to Jesus for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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As we stand at the threshold of the sacred Paschal Triduum, let us humbly lift our hearts in prayer, seeking fidelity and strength from Christ our Savior.

For the Church throughout the world, that we may remain faithful and vigilant, resisting the subtle temptations of worldly gain, and always choosing Christ above all else. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all leaders and public officials, that their decisions may reflect integrity and justice, rejecting greed, corruption, and self-interest in favor of serving the common good. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with temptation, greed, or selfishness, that they may find strength and healing in the merciful presence of Jesus, who offers lasting freedom and true fulfillment. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our parish community, that we may enter into these sacred days with hearts purified and renewed, fully valuing the priceless gift of Christ’s sacrifice and love. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the chronically ill and all the suffering, that they may know the compassionate love of Christ, who suffered for us and never abandons us. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have died, that they may experience the fullness of redemption and eternal life purchased by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Let us pray to the Lord.

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and strengthen our devotion, that we may faithfully journey with Christ through His passion and resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

5th Week of Lent 2025 - Friday - Incline your ear to his heart

 

"We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy.”

Our Scripture readings leading up to Holy Week continue to help us understand the various dynamics of Jesus’ passion. The passage from John’s Gospel reveals the motive for the hostility. They claimed he was guilty of the capital crime of blasphemy—the highest blasphemy possible. They claimed that Jesus wasn’t simply speaking against God—but that he was only a man, but claiming to be God. The irony of course is that He IS God. And they failed to recognize the God they were supposed to love with their whole hearts minds soul and strength when he was standing in their midst.

And Jesus even tries to make it easy for them to recognize Him: If I don’t do the works of God then I’m not. But, you’ve seen for yourself, that I do do the things that only God can do.

The logos is logical. Only God can do certain things. Jesus does them. Therefore, Jesus is God.

The Jeremiah reading reveals something even sadder about the hostility toward Jesus.

“All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.”

Jesus isn’t not only not recognized as God by strangers, but by his closest companions, those he called friends. The Jeremiah reading foreshadows of course the betrayal of Judas, the denial of St. Peter, the fact that none of the Apostles save John are there with his mother on the hill of calvary—he is abandoned by all but those who have listened to his heart.

In a week, we will be in the midst of the great Paschal Triduum. Hopefully, this Lent, you have taken time, like St. John to lay your ear to the heart of Jesus, so that your love for Him will help you to recognize his love for you in the events of his Passion and in the events of your life.

In the days ahead, take time to incline upon his breast, and bring to him those who take no time to pray, no time to understand, no time to seek Him while he may be found.

Pray that their eyes may be opened to his great love and his invitation to life, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Trusting in God's mercy and faithfulness, we lift our prayers to the Lord.

For the Church, that during these sacred days she may proclaim clearly and courageously the truth that Jesus is truly God, calling all to recognize and embrace Him. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who lead nations and communities, that they may foster justice, peace, and compassion, recognizing and respecting the dignity of all persons created in God's image. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who struggle with faith or who refuse to recognize Christ’s presence in their lives, that their hearts may be opened to His truth, love, and mercy. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those experiencing betrayal, abandonment, loneliness, or chronic illness, that they may find comfort and strength in Christ, who himself endured rejection and abandonment. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our parish community, that in these final days of Lent, we may draw closer to the heart of Jesus, deepening our love and commitment to Him. Let us pray to the Lord.

For our beloved dead, that they may be welcomed into the eternal presence of Christ, finding peace and joy in His heavenly kingdom. Let us pray to the Lord.

Loving Father, hear the prayers of your faithful people gathered here. Open our hearts to recognize and embrace your Son, Jesus Christ, in every aspect of our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Holy Week 2024 - Wednesday - Persevering in Mercy amidst Betrayal

Yesterday, the first reading from Isaiah contained the second of the four servant songs—those poetic prophecies regarding the servant of God who would extend the salvation of God throughout all the earth through his humble service. We then considered how Jesus is the fulfillment of that humble servant—especially at the last supper as he washes his disciples’ feet.

Today, we delve into the poignant parallels between the Third Servant Song of Isaiah and the harrowing betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of His trusted disciples.

In Isaiah 50, we encounter the Servant of the Lord, who speaks with a voice of resilience and divine assurance. He is no ordinary servant; he is a teacher who "wakens morning by morning," attuned to God's voice, equipped to offer words that sustain the weary. Yet, this divine mission does not shield him from suffering. On the contrary, the Servant describes a path marked by humiliation and pain—struck, insulted, and shamed. Despite this, he stands unwavering, bolstered by God's vindication, facing his adversaries with a steadfast heart.

Jesus walks this path during His final days. In the intimacy of the upper room, He breaks bread with His friends, aware of the darkness looming. Here, the shadow of betrayal hangs heavily, not from a distant enemy, but from within His inner circle. Judas, one of the Twelve, chosen and trusted, turns away from the light of fellowship, stepping into the night to betray his Master.

The betrayal by Judas is not just a narrative detail; it intensifies the suffering of Jesus, injecting the poison of betrayal into the already daunting prospect of His impending passion and death. Yet, in this moment of ultimate betrayal, the true character of Jesus, like that of Isaiah's Servant, shines brightest. He does not retaliate, does not falter. Instead, He continues to fulfill His mission of love and redemption, embracing the path set before Him with unwavering resolve.

Perhaps, reading about Judas causes us to reflect upon our own experiences of ruptured friendships or even betrayal. Each of us, in our journey of faith, face moments when it is difficult to love the people around us. Yet, the lesson of God’s Servant—Christ the Lord—calls us not to dwell on bitterness or plans of retribution but to the courage of forgiveness.

The example of our Lord is not just one of passive acceptance of suffering but to an active trust in God's justice and mercy—to turn our moments of betrayal into opportunities for grace.

God’s ultimate vindication is in the extension of mercy. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”. 

And may the love and mercy of Christ, who endured betrayal for our sake, heal our wounds and guide our steps in the path of peace for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For increased faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity. 

That the grace of these holy days may touch the most hardened of hearts, and move unrepented sinners and fallen-away Catholics to return to the mercy of God.

For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.

That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.

That those in need may find assistance in the charity of faithful Christians and that peace and security may be firmly established in all places.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

Holy Week 2019 - Spy Wednesday - Being Honest with Jesus

Wednesday of Holy week is known as Spy Wednesday, because on this day Judas made the shameful bargain with the high priest for 30 pieces of silver and went "spying"--looking--for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

How did this happen? How did Judas go from giving up everything to follow Jesus, to betraying Him for a miserable thirty pieces of silver? The beginning of Judas’ downfall, perhaps, was his secrecy. In the beginning of his discipleship, Judas Iscariot was, must have been, open with Jesus, sharing his thoughts, his dreams, his desires, and his fears like any of his apostles. And then, little by little, Judas became disillusioned and jaded. He withdrew into himself. He cloaked his temptations, his fears, his struggles, and his failures. The first time we hear from Judas in the Gospels, he is erupting with fury over Jesus being anointed with the costly oil. Judas had bottled up his anger, instead of bringing it to Jesus.

Something very similar happens when a soul stops going to confession, or confesses too infrequently, or puts off going to confession. One becomes accustomed to living with the sickness of one’s secrets. One adjusts to living with them, and they poison the soul. This need to confess has always been valued by the Church. How important it is to lay bare our souls to a trusted spiritual father, to admit not only our sins, but also our temptations and our struggles. This act of humility disarms Satan, and renders him powerless. When we fail to confess our sins and, instead, hide them, we give the Evil One a foothold in us. Failure to confess sin will almost always lead to estrangement from God and resentment toward the Church and other Christians.

Judas must have stopped conversing with Jesus in a personal way. Certainly he continued talking to Jesus superficially, but mostly about business. He was, after all, responsible for administering the common fund of the Twelve. He stopped relating to Jesus in a personal way, as one trusting friend talks to another, heart to heart.

Hopefully, our Lenten observances have helped us to trust Jesus more deeply. Hopefully, we have encountered him in quality prayer, and not simply superficial babbling in his general direction. Hopefully, we have opened our hearts to Jesus, to allow him to see our woundedness and frustration. Hopefully, unlike Judas who was filled with greed and selfishness, we have learned to serve Jesus lovingly and generously. If not, it’s not too late.

We will be invited over the next three days very close to Jesus’ heart. Jesus freely undergoes the events of the Paschal Triduum out of love for us and the desire to save us from our sins, from our Judas-like tendencies and experience the true freedom of the children of God for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For increased faith and understanding in the catechumens and candidates who approach the sacraments of initiation in the coming Paschal Solemnity.

That those in need may find assistance in the charity of faithful Christians and that peace and security may be firmly established in all places.

For strength to resist temptation, and the humility to sincerely repent of sin.

That through fasting and self-denial, we may be ever more conformed to Christ.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of your Church and turn with compassion to the hearts that bow before you, that those you make sharers in your divine mystery may always benefit from your assistance.

Homily: Tuesday of Holy Week 2017 - The sin of Judas Iscariot

Holy Week is a sacred time for us to truly draw close to Our Lord as we reflect upon His profound love for us sinners. He goes to the cross to defeat sin and restore life. Today’s Gospel reveals something quite important about the nature of sin.

Before Judas betrays Jesus in the garden, we read today how Judas had already betrayed the Lord in his heart. We read how the Spirit of Satan entered Judas already at the Last Supper.
Jesus detects Judas’ interior betrayal, so Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."… and Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.

Judas leaves the meal before its conclusion. Judas breaks his communion with Jesus, his communion with the Apostles gathered around Him. Sin and division leads Judas out of communion with Jesus and the Twelve, and this was sin which took place in Judas’ heart.

John also points out earlier that Judas had already begun accustoming himself to sinful thoughts, like greed. Unrepented sins from the past open us to graver future sins.

We then read how Judas goes off into the night. It is always darkness, it is always night when we forsake the Lord. Sin is always a turning away from his light—the light of his truth, the light of his moral goodness. Like Judas, even our interior sins, can be real and serious and mortal when we reject truth and goodness in our minds and hearts.

In the proceeding passage, which we’ll hear on Holy Thursday, Jesus washed the feet of his Apostles, even Judas’. Jesus had been reaching out beyond Judas' treachery to wash his feet right up to the final moment when Judas closes his heart to Christ and opens it to the devil. Even as we contemplate sin, Jesus is reaching out in love and compassion, urging us to turn away from our dark thoughts and plotting.

And the Good News of Good Friday is that even after the betrayal of sin, the Lord does not abandon us. He goes to the cross for us. He invites us to come out of the night back into his light, and to allow Him to banish Satan from our minds and hearts, to rejoin Him at the table, back in the light of Communion.

Our prayers for sinners who have abandoned Christ for the night are powerful this week. As we fast and pray with the Lord, we do well to bring to Him all those who choose to not bring themselves to Him. We pray that before it’s too late they will reject sin, reject Satan, reject faithlessness, error, heresy, and hear the Lord calling them home.

We do well to pray also for ourselves, to take ever more seriously the call to turn away from all sin, even our venial sins, to allow the Lord to fill us with his light and life for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That our Holy Week observances may bring renewal in faith, hope, and love throughout the Church.
That civil leaders will use their authority to protect the dignity of human life and the well-being of the poor, especially the unborn.  We pray to the Lord.
For deliverance from all evil and all temptation: for those under the influence of drug abuse, addiction, insanity, occultism, atheism, sexual perversion, greed, and any spiritual evils which degrade the human person.
For those preparing to enter the Church at Easter, that these weeks of Lent may bring them purification and enlightenment in the ways of Christ.  We pray to the Lord.
For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation or illness: that the tenderness of the Father’s love will comfort them.  We pray to the Lord.