The Cost of Betrayal

 

Wednesday of Holy Week

Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 69; Matthew 26:14-25

“What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”
Matthew 26:15

Spy Wednesday!  Have you heard of it?  Many have not.  It’s what this day was traditionally called.  It is named for the fact that it was on this day that Judas Iscariot went to the Jewish authorities to negotiate a deal to betray Jesus.  Why did he do it?  There have been several speculations.  Some say it was because Judas had zealot leanings and was disillusioned with Jesus’ non-violent approach rather than the military hero for which he hoped.  Others think that it was because Judas was a thief and was more in love with money than his own soul.  Some believe it had something to do with the incident with Mary pouring the expensive oil on Jesus’ feet.  He just didn’t understand Jesus’ perspective.  The scripture is unclear as to motive, but unequivocal as to action.  Whatever the reason, Judas made the decision to betray our Lord. 

Scripture is equally clear about what it cost Judas.  He was paid 30 pieces of silver, which is the price of a slave.  In remorse he returned the money.  Then he went out and hung himself.  Scripture becomes rather graphic on this point.  Now this man bought a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood, [Acts 1:18, 19].  Perhaps less clear is the pronouncement of his end: … Judas turned aside, to go to his own place, [Acts 1:25].  What is “his own place”?  Is it a reference to hell?  Quite possible.  We cannot be sure.  However, we see that betrayal of the Lord is terribly costly.

It’s the same story from the Garden to the present day.  The Evil One whispers lies in our ears to make sin seem so enticing.  In that moment there’s nothing we want more and all reason flies from us.  But in the end there is remorse and guilt.  If we aren’t careful, we can take the same path as Judas.

Look at Judas’ question again: “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”  It echoes a question Jesus once asked: “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” [Matthew 16:26].  How much is your soul worth to you?  What is its price?  Can it be easily traded away for temporary pleasure or gain? 

We betray the Lord constantly.  We choose sin over Him.  In so doing we become partners with those who crucified our Lord.  He died for the very sins we are committing.  Perhaps we think that everyone does this, and we can’t help it.  But the truth is that we can do something about it.  We can turn to the Lord in the moment of our temptation and pray for the way of escape which He is willing to provide us.  He will, furthermore, fortify us with all the grace necessary to do battle so that we may be victorious.

The saints stand in stark contrast to Judas.  They chose the hard road of the cross and triumphed.  When we are tempted to walk in the way of Judas; in the way of betrayal, they remind us that we have another option.

We are on the cusp of the Sacred Triduum.  This is the perfect time to make our heart right with God.  Seek Him out.  Hide nothing.  Tell Him freely of all your sins- and your desire to sin.  Allow His mercy to forgive you, His grace to fortify you, and His love to envelope you. 

Rise, dear child of God.  Flee the company of Judas and seek that of the saints.  Let us take up our cross and follow Jesus.  He is going before us to die!