On this day, traditionally known in English as Spy Wednesday, we listen to the Gospel’s account of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Jesus will call him ‘Friend’ when Judas identifies him for the soldiers in the garden. (Mt 26:50) Judas had indeed been counted among Jesus’ closest friends, the Twelve. He had been with Jesus since the beginning of His public ministry, had seen Jesus heal the paralyzed and lepers, the deaf and the blind, the possessed, and had even witnessed Him raising the dead. After all that he had seen and heard, we now find Judas selling out Jesus to those who seek His life.
Judas’ question is a resounding contrast to the question of the apostles to Jesus which follows. Judas asks the chief priests: “What are you willing to give me…?” (Mt 26:15) The true disciples of Jesus, however, ask Him, “Where do you want us to prepare for you…?” (Mt 26:17) Judas’ focus is entirely on himself, desiring to know only what even Jesus’ enemies will give him. How far this is from those who turn to Christ and ask what He desires.
Next we see Judas receiving the price of the Messiah’s betrayal: thirty pieces of silver. Again, we can focus on this one image: One of the Twelve holding the bag of blood money in his hands. At first this weight must have been pleasing to Judas. Thirty pieces of silver is a lot of money. There is much that he could do for himself with that money. Yet, as we see the money bag weighing down Judas’ hands, we also recall that it begins to weigh more and more on his soul. What at first seemed so good becomes despicable to him. In the end, Judas won’t keep that money. He will fling it back into the Temple. Many friends of Jesus have betrayed His love for far less, and yet have realized sin brings no recompense, no satisfaction of our heart’s desires. Today, let us pray to see the irrationality of betraying Jesus, to see that no promise, no pleasure is worth the forfeiture of being a friend to Christ who loves us more than anyone else ever can or ever will.