Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles. Yet, never has the liturgical calendar given a date for his feast day; no people in the entire world claim him as their patron. Artists in the early Christian centuries would often deliberately obscure Judas to avoid honoring him with the other eleven apostles.
We almost don’t even like to say his name. Yes, each of the apostles was burdened with human weakness, but they eventually came to accept the grace of God and became great evangelizers and martyrs for the faith. But not Judas.
We heard in Matthew’s Passion, that after betraying the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas returned to the chief priests and tried to return the 30 pieces of silver, admitting, “"I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." But then, he went on to hang himself. Even though the poet Dante Alighieri put Judas in the very depths of hell for his betrayal, we do not know Judas’ eternal situation. But his final act seems to indicate a heart which has selfishly rejected the necessity of repentance and belief in Jesus as Savior-Messiah and Son of God.
Today, we heard of Judas’ avarice: in the house of Bethany, he objected when oil was used to anoint the feet of Jesus, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and used to steal from the contributions.
Recall, an earlier Gospel story about the house of Mary and Martha. Jesus praises Mary for sitting at his feet and listening to Him. He commends Mary even over her sister Martha who was busy with housework, perhaps even getting the meal ready that they would later share.
Now Judas too fails to enter into the intimate moment of compassion for what the Lord is about to suffering. Judas’ heart is filled with greed. His avarice keeps him from the present reality. The heart of the greedy have a difficult time even grasping the concept of generosity. If he could not grasp Mary’s generosity, he could likely not grasp why the Lord would willingly and generously undertake his passion.
Mary and Judas provide an important dichotomy at the beginning of Holy Week. Again, Mary has chosen the better portion. She pours out a year’s salary to anoint and adore Christ. Judas’ heart was far from Christ. He viewed the events of Holy Week with selfish, self-concerned eyes. Mary gives, while Judas takes, and keeps things from Jesus. Mary pours out, while Judas betrays.
Let us, of course, follow Mary’s example, gladly pouring out the best we have in order to adore Christ and repent from our greed which has kept us from loving Christ. This is a week for intensifying our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, that, as Christ’s blood is poured out for the world on Calvary, may we be poured out with him, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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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