The deed is done. Judas goes through with the betrayal of Jesus. How many times did he stop to think about what he was doing? How many times was he even a little unsure? Readings for Today.
The deed is done
Two persons. Two different goals. Only one ending leads to life. Both Jesus and Judas have deeds to do today. For Judas, the deed has to do with betrayal. For Jesus, the deed leads to life.
For Judas, the deed begins with a question. While not in these words, Judas wants to know what is in it for him. He wants to know what he will get for betraying Jesus, handing him over. Despite all he has seen, all he has witnessed, in the end, Judas' question is about himself, and what he will get.
For Jesus, the announcement about betrayal brings great distress from the disciples. They have seen the same things as Judas. They have had their lives changed. All but one. By the point of the Passover, Judas has gotten the answer the the question, "What's in it for me?"
Too bad Judas didn't direct his question to Jesus. In Matthew 19:27, Peter asks just this question. "Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” In Luke 18:28 Peter says, “We have given up our possessions and followed you.” Saint Mark recounts the same question of Saint Peter to Jesus.
But there is a big difference in the two questions. Judas' is asking not a question of faith, but one of selfishness. He is not asking about what he gets because of his relationship with Jesus. No, he is asking what he gets in this life, here and now.
And to whom we direct our questions makes a big difference too. Will we seek answers from the world? Or will we turn to Jesus to ask our questions, and to receive his answers? For the focus of the questions determines the quality of the answers.
Questions asked of the world have a limited time frame. The are only for the here and now. Questions asked of the Christ have an eternal timeframe. They are not just about the here and now but about the here and hereafter.
Unfortunately the question Judas does ask Jesus has an answer that is not satisfying. What did the other apostles think of Jesus' reply to Judas? Were they confused? Were they able to figure out the meaning of this answer of Jesus to Judas' question?
And even after Judas regrets his actions, seeks to give back the money, he simply cannot bring himself to ask Jesus for forgiveness. For while Peter did not hand Jesus over, he did not stand up for him either. He couldn't admit to even knowing Jesus, let alone to stand up for him.
But whereas Judas despaired, Peter wept bitterly. But he did not despair of what Jesus could do for him. He may not have been there at first when Jesus needed him, he also was able to face Jesus and to seek the ways in which Jesus could forgive him and renew him.
Judas is only known as the betrayer. But despite the three denials by Peter, he is known as an apostle. He is known as the pope. He is known as a martyr. Most importantly, he is known as a saint.
How is it you will be known?
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