LENTEN REFLECTION: Judas: Betrayer of Jesus

March 23, 2016

By:

Jerico T. Tiongson

Today's Readings:
First Reading: Is 50: 4-9A Responsorial Psalm: Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34 Gospel:Mt 26:14-25

Reflection:

One thing that struck me when I was reading today’s Gospel is the unusual response of Jesus to Judas Iscariot’s betrayal.

First, I invite you to reflect on Judas’ betrayal. Judas is the treasurer of Jesus’ apostles, thus he is the keeper of their moneybag. Surely you would only allow someone to hold your money if you trust him. Jesus and the apostles trusted Judas. However, despite this trust, Judas still betrayed his friend, Jesus, for thirty pieces of silver.

How would you feel if you found out that a very close and trusted friend of yours betrayed you? Can you imagine that this friend who have been with you for so long suddenly went against you? It is indeed a heartbreaking experience when a treasured friend becomes unfaithful, drifts away from you and forgets the relationship you built together. But in spite of the betrayal of Judas, Jesus continues to be faithful to him as his friend.

The Gospel for today also draws our attention to another event: the Passover meal. The Jewish Passover celebrates God’s faithfulness to His chosen people. God liberated them from slavery in Egypt. In the Gospel story, Jesus invited His apostles to look for a place to stay and celebrate Passover with Him, even though He knew that one of them would betray Him.

Realistically speaking, knowing that someone will betray you, and a very close and trusted friend at that, is disturbing. This made me reflect on my own life, too. There were many times that I have become unfaithful to Jesus. Yet, despite all that, He continues to be faithful to me no matter how much I have hurt Him. To the unfaithful, Jesus responds with faithfulness.

Today, I invite you to beg for the grace of faithfulness and fidelity. No matter where you find yourself in your life, try your best to remain faithful to Jesus. No matter how hard and painful your situation is, stay faithful to Jesus. Fidelity is lived out every moment of our lives. Choose to be faithful. Remain faithful to Jesus, your friend, as He is faithful to you.

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Jerico T. Tiongson is the Campus Minister for Grade 10 at the Ateneo de Manila High School.

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