Judas betrayed Jesus. So did Peter. So also the remaining ten disciples. The Chief Priest betrayed God and the very heart of the Law of Moses. In an act of blatant hypocrisy the Priest bought a field from a potter (a person who made pots) and used it as a cemetery for foreigners. How ironic that this cynical act took on a note of honorable charity as for many hundreds of years a public cemetery for indigents was known as the “Potters Field.”
Judas apparently did not contemplate that his act of betrayal would result in the death of an innocent man. Remorseful and in an act of repentance he confesses his sin to the Chief Priest and returns the money he had received for his treachery. In his arrogance the Chief Priest offers no absolution. The Chief Priest is not at all troubled to have the blood of an innocent man on his hands. But, Judas is very troubled.
In Matthew’s Gospel Judas was at the table when Jesus initiated the Sacrament of Holy Communion. As he held a cup of wine Jesus said, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven.” Did Judas hear him? Didn’t Judas know that Jesus’ blood covered even his sin?
A church built a small secluded chapel for prayer and meditation. They furnished it with twelve chairs, each bearing the name of one of the disciples. If you were to visit that chapel which chair would you choose?
The church reports that the chair marked “Judas” is the one most heavily worn with use.
What does today’s reading reveal to you
about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?
22-Sep-11 Matthew 27:11-32
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