Prophet Isaiah introduces us in today’s meditation with his message on the “suffering servant.” Even in his suffering, this servant is able to speak to the weary a word that will revive them. He was nonviolent notwithstanding his persecution; but with complete trust in God, he says: “The Lord is my help.” We have here a prefiguration of the sufferings of Jesus. Betrayed and abandoned by his closest friends, unjustly condemned, he suffered unimaginable pains, yet he was able to pray for his executioners: “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Keeping in mind this prayer of Jesus on the Cross, we can now move to today’s Gospel announcing his betrayal.
In the Gospel of Matthew 26:14-25 we read about the announcement of betrayal of Jesus. At the table with his disciples, Jesus solemnly announced to them: “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The question that comes to mind here is: “Why did Judas betray his Master, Jesus?.”
“Why did Judas betray his Master, Jesus?”
To make some suggestions on why Judas betrayed Jesus, let us put this passage of Matthew 26 :14-25 in connection with the anointing of Jesus’s feet by Mary in John 12, 1-8. Six days after the Passover, Jesus came back to Bethany, a city where he raised Lazarus from death. He was well received by the family of Lazarus. Just like in today’s Gospel, this event is taking place during a meal. Often Jesus used moments of meals to symbolize the deep communion he wants to establish with every soul. Mary’s gesture of anointing the feet of Jesus and wiping it with her hair was not understood by others.
From Judas reaction: “Why was this ointment not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?” We learn that Mary spent a huge amount of money to manifest her love for Jesus. Jesus gives the meaning of Mary’s gesture: it will be for his burial. So, contrary to Mary who showed great love to Jesus by buying expensive perfume to anoint him, Judas betrayed his Master by a kiss for thirty pieces of silver.
Jesus was Sold for the Price of a Slave
When we compare thirty pieces of silver to three hundred denarii, the difference is quite striking. To understand better the figure of thirty pieces, we can read Exodus 21:32. 30 shekels of silver was the amount paid to a master whose slave was gored by a bull.
In other words, for the chief priests, Jesus had the value of a slave. Without knowing it, they reveal in this event the meaning of the Cross: Jesus humbled himself, took our human nature enslaved by sin; he was obedient even unto death for us to be saved (cf. Philippians 2, 5-11). Jesus paid the ultimate price for the redemption of sinners. Although he was without sin, he took upon himself the sins of all humanity and nailed them on the Cross. So, in him we can experience freedom from sin that renders us slaves, and thus regain our dignity as children of God.
Every Soul is Precious to God
Because God bought us with a high price, we are called to glorify him with our body. In other words, with our whole person. The betrayal of Jesus by Judas was the consequence of lack of love. Judas realized his fault, but could not open his life to God’s mercy, contrary to the apostle Peter who denied knowing Jesus but later wept bitterly for his sins and was forgiven. Both betrayals are two possibilities for every human liberty that in one way or the other, betrays Jesus.
God’s Forgiveness is a Beautiful Gift Offered to Every Soul
On the cross, Jesus prayed for all humanity: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” God’s forgiveness is a beautiful gift offered to every soul. We can freely accept it and welcome this gift through the sacrament of reconciliation. We are also called to forgive and love others, even those who have betrayed us. No matter how deep the wounds of sins could be in our live sour hearts, Jesus is capable of speaking healing words to our souls as prophet Isaiah today. This coming Easter offers us yet another wonderful opportunity to be renewed by the power of the Resurrection. Let us not miss this moment of grace because tomorrow may be too late. May God bless us all in this holy week!
These reflections are designed to make us reflect. Your contribution certainly gave me much to ponder. Have a blessed holy Trituum and a happy Easter season. Thank you for your contribution this Wednesday of holy week