DAILY HOMILIES #thirty pieces of silver

The moment Judas took the bread from Jesus and ate, “Satan entered him.” What does this mean? Judas was no longer on the fence; his mind was made up. Not even a morsel of bread (show of love) from Jesus could change his mind. The more I listen to the devil, the sooner I reach a point when I am no longer afraid of betraying God. At this point, I am more concerned about making more money (or whatever the devil promises) than loving God. I begin to act as one without conscience.

When others asked, “Is it I who will betray you?” Judas joined in the chorus. He did not know Jesus was giving him a last chance to repent. I am still active in church at this third stage, but my worship is lip-service (all about appearances). Having negotiated with the devil, I start negotiating with my conscience. Sadly, many of us are in this stage. Today, we are in church singing and dancing, tomorrow, we are doing the things we preached against. Peter said: “I will lay down my life for you.” Did he mean it? Do I reflect on my vows to God?

I can only imagine the pain Jesus felt in our Gospel passage knowing that someone who shared the same plate with him was going to betray him. This is the pain Jesus feels when we turn God’s house into a money-making enterprise when we tell lies by pronouncing fake prophecies just to gain popularity and wealth.