Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Wednesday of Holy Week | USCCB
Every year the Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday. It’s the day when we hear of Judas meets with the Jewish leaders to turn Jesus over for the cost of 30 pieces of silver.
I often wonder what made Judas betray Jesus to those in authority. He was one of the 12 apostles and spent three years with Jesus hearing him preach and seeing him heal people and bring them back into relationship with God. Couldn’t he see that Jesus was indeed the Messiah? Why was he disappointed with Jesus?
We know that Jesus was destined to die for our sins on the cross. As a result, Judas had his part in having that come about. We do hear in today’s gospel Jesus saying, “Woe to the man would betray me.” (Matthew 26:24) Judas did regret betraying Jesus and attempted to return the 30 pieces of silver. The scribes and pharisees refused to accept the money back, and unfortunately Judas would go off and commit suicide.
Had Judas not committed suicide, when Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, he, like Peter would have received forgiveness.
As we meditate upon Judas’ part in the betrayal of Jesus, let us remember that we, too, betray Jesus every time we sin. But, fortunately for us, the Risen Lord is waiting for us to turn to him in the sacrament of confession to forgive us.
In confession the Lord is asking us, like he asked Peter, “Do you love me?” We respond, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Please forgive me.” Jesus then forgives our sins.
As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let us turn to the Lord with love in our hearts and know that he is always waiting for us to bring us forgiveness and salvation.
