April 15, 2025
Betrayal. One of the harshest words and most painful actions. We’ve no doubt all experienced a heart-rending betrayal at some time in our lives, and we’re fortunate if it’s only been one. And, we’ve probably all betrayed someone else (or ourselves) at some time in our lives. Today’s gospel passage (John 13: 21-30) tells the bitter story of Jesus’ prediction of his betrayal. Both Matthew and John’s versions imply that the disciples understand that any of them is capable of it: “Ask him which one he means,” Peter says to John (John 13:23). Betrayal in all its many forms is a decidedly specific human characteristic.
Betrayal. Why would Judas betray Jesus? What was his reason? Scripture remains silent. Though there is endless speculation, we won’t ever know what brokenness and hurt in the heart of Judas caused him to turn on his teacher and friend. Often, we don’t fully understand why others turn on us and betray us. But we do know how we feel when we commit a betrayal. As Jesus states in Matthew’s version, “It would have been better for that one not to have been born” (26). Such is the remorse, shame, and grief in the heart of many of a betrayer. What’s been done cannot be undone, and yes, it would be better to never have been born than to cause such pain.
Perhaps it was that same remorse, shame, and grief of Judas’ betrayal that led him to take his own life. Watching the dominoes fall, he couldn’t live with himself for setting it all in motion. For me, that’s one of the most tragic moments in the Passion story because when Judas ends his life, he misses the same opportunity for forgiveness and reconciliation that Peter received after betraying Jesus not once, but three times.
Only God really knows our hearts because only God really needs to. Mercy and compassion lie in the heart of God, even for betrayers. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” is a blanket prayer for all of us, Judas included.
Blessings ~ Rosemary
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Spirit Reflections 