Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, John 13:21-33,36-38
“So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified.’” (John 13:30-31)
- The chief priests and Pharisees wanted Jesus arrested but couldn’t do it publicly. They sent the temple guards to arrest Jesus, but the guards returned to say: “No man has ever spoken like this.” On other occasions, they tried, but Jesus escaped by slipping through the crowds. They were left with one option: to get Jesus at night. How did they avoid arresting one of the disciples instead of Jesus? They had insider help.
- Judas Iscariot asks, “What will you give me if I deliver him to you?” After some negotiation, “they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” (cf. Matthew 26:14-15). As Jesus would say, any kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. (Cf. Mark 3:24). The moment Judas aligned with the enemy, Jesus knew His hour had come. “Now the Son of Man is glorified.” Judas Iscariot’s betrayal did not happen suddenly. He went through several stages:
- Stage One—Dissatisfaction with God: Judas’s complaint that Mary was wasting the ointment shows he did not value Jesus highly. Betrayal begins with disrespect for God, which leads to skipping prayers, taking spiritual exercises for granted, or criticising God’s commandments. Scriptures teach that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. When I am no longer afraid of God (when I think my offertory is a waste), I am already on the way to betrayal.
- Stage Two—Talking to the Enemy: Dissatisfaction with God pushes us to negotiate with the enemy. We listen to the devil's lies and start considering what the devil has to offer. Before meeting the chief priests, Judas had already negotiated with the devil. For him, he could easily make some money. At this stage, I listen more to those who hate God; I start weighing my options.
- Stage Three – Pretending to Be Jesus’ Disciple: When others asked, “Is it I who will betray you?” Judas joined in the chorus. He did not know Jesus was giving him a last chance to repent. I am still active in church at this third stage, but my worship is lip-service (all about appearances). Having negotiated with the devil, I start negotiating with my conscience. Sadly, many of us are in this stage. Today, we are in church singing and dancing, tomorrow, we are doing the things we preached against. Peter said: “I will lay down my life for you.” Did he mean it? Do I reflect on my vows to God?
- Stage Four – Decision to Surrender: The moment Judas took the bread from Jesus and ate, “Satan entered him.” What does this mean? Judas was no longer on the fence; his mind was made up. Not even a morsel of bread (show of love) from Jesus could change his mind. The more I listen to the devil, I soon reach a point when I am no longer afraid of betraying God. At this point, I am more concerned about making more money (or whatever the devil promises) than loving God. I begin to act as one without conscience.
- Stage Five – Reconciliation Versus Despair: After doing the damage, the scales fall from my eyes. I realise the devil deceived me. I feel naked like Adam and Eve, and I want to hide from God. Judas’s betrayal is not too different from Peter's. Judas sold Jesus, but Peter denied Him in public. They both sinned, but one thought his sin was unpardonable. No matter the stage you find yourself today, it is not too late to retrace your steps.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to rewrite our destiny by making the right choices. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of Holy Week, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Isaiah 49:1-6, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, John 13:21-33,36-38).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu