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.
Judas’ selfishness and greed became the opening for Satan to enter Judas, to use Judas as his instrument. Satan, who himself betrayed God, who sought to obstruct the plans of God, attempted to use Judas for the same end.
If it can happen to an apostle, it can happen to us. The devil will always try to exploit our selfishness. He uses human selfishness to cause divisions in marriage, friendships, faith communities anywhere there is good, he will try to pervert--through even the small acts of selfishness you try to justify to ourselves.
Judas’ greed is contrasted in the Gospel with the lavish love that should flow from faith, as seen yesterday in Mary of Bethany’s generosity in anointing Jesus, which is seen ultimately, in Jesus’ self-donation on the Cross, his embrace of suffering for us poor sinners.
Judas “cared not for the poor,” only for himself.
In these final days of Holy Week, may we acknowledge our selfishness, our failure to emulate Jesus’ outpouring of love, and pray and do penance for those times, those relationships in which we’ve allowed greed to reign.
We trust the Lord does forgive us, when we repent, as Judas failed to do, because the Lord loves us, and desires not the death of the sinner, but his conversion.
May we open our hearts to growing in the selfless charity of Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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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.
That God may be pleased to increase 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.
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