April 8 - Judas Reconsidered: A Reading

Devotion

The Jewish Passover celebrations nearly done:
its reminder: “You shall tell your children . . .”; its matzah (unleavened bread), wine and bitter herbs consumed; its added twist, “Surely it is not I?” truly believed, Jesus the Jew and his Twelve, less one, stole to Gethsemane. Leaving most, Jesus led the closest three further into the olive orchard—to watch, while be begged relief from suffering’s cup, expecting cost far deeper than pain or blood. Three times, the sleepers roused. Once, the Friends embraced: “Do what you came to do,” the Rabbi calmly loved, as each the other kissed, a common trait. Not one disciple dreamed a crucifixion cross could loom.

His Friend had heard the Master’s praise of Magdalen’s lavish waste; had seen the Temple’s tables tossed; had been disillusioned—God’s earthly Kingdom failed; had hoped that Caiaphas might have vision still for fit Reform; had mulled the ‘messianic secret’ lodged in cup and broken bread. And so this Friend enabled Scripture’s raw intent in handing over Innocence. ‘To deliver’ need not mean ‘to betray,’ per Greek’s paradidomi. To inform on others, common then, has not yet run its course, As Christians claim a ‘scapegoat’ to excuse collective guilt.

A destructive process set in place could not then be reversed. Parted from Jesus, helpless in Pilate’s hand, Grief-struck Judas: Confessed “I have sinned,” Tossed costly coins toward pious priests, and Ran rabid toward a barren Tree. Regret too deep for words, the act can only shout: ‘If He no longer live, nor then can I.’ What was that—about “giving up one’s life for a Friend?”

Credits: by William Klassen, Film: “The Gospel According to Saint Matthew” by Pasolini