Judas weeps

Holy Week: Tuesday

Reading

Matthew 27.3-10

When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ But they said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.’ After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.’

Reflection

Judas takes his own life. This is a vivid and uncomfortable part of Scripture that isn’t often really expounded on. There is no explicit mention of him weeping but only an explanation of his deep guilt and remorse over betraying Jesus. But this is in keeping with such shattering experiences. Often the tears are silent. The despair is penetrating, and the sorrow is inexpressible.

Suicide is taboo in most societies. Often it is discussed in ways that blame the victim. Little understanding and compassion are given for the situations that precede it, especially the deep feelings of guilt and shame. This is also something taboo in Black communities, but in reflecting honestly on the traumas of Black history, there can be some understanding here.

What is also clear is that Jesus does not condemn or refuse to forgive Judas. There was space for Judas, too, even after his betrayal.

Watch

Take note of the ways in which suicide is talked about in our world.

…and pray

for deeper compassion for victims and families in such situations.

Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.