Wednesday of Holy Week
(Isaiah 50:4-91; Matthew 26:14-25)
In Italy abstaining from meat on Wednesdays as well as Fridays is still sometimes practiced. Of course, the Friday penance commemorates Jesus’ death on the cross. The Wednesday abstinence similarly recalls Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, his disciple.
Although all four gospels speak of the betrayal, Matthew gives the most detail. He tells how Judas is paid thirty pieces of silver for delivering Jesus to the Jewish leaders. After the fatal act, Matthew completes his coverage by showing a guilt-laden Judas trying to return the money. Earlier in the gospel, Jesus told his disciples not to take any silver with them as they preach the Kingdom of heaven. Here Judas takes thirty pieces to turn in the Kingdom’s premier preacher. More indicative of his contempt of Jesus is Judas’ calling him “Rabbi.” Jesus told his disciples not to use that title for anyone (23:8). But Judas twice defies the mandate. Of course, Judas’ betrayal brings about his destruction. Not relieved by returning the blood money, Judas hangs himself. Today his name is recalled with the same infamy as that of Hitler, Stalin, and Genghis Khan.
Ironically, some have tried to justify Judas over the centuries. In one novel Judas is portrayed as a co-redeemer because his action brings Christ to the cross. Often these days Judas is seen as no worse than Peter when he denies Jesus. Yes, Peter commits a terrible sin. However, he acts out of fear. The difference between betrayal and denial is exponential. Nevertheless, we should see the possibility of our acting both as ignominiously as Judas and as cowardly as Peter. We may betray associates for money or for pleasure. We may allow peer pressure to move us to deny promises made to God. Today like Friday calls us to do penance for all our sins.
