Holy Wednesday: ‘Timeless lessons from Judas’s betrayal

Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday, marks a vital moment in Christianity—the day when Judas Iscariot conspired to betray Jesus Christ. This act of treachery not only set the stage for the Passion but also offers valuable insights into human nature and the perils of compromised faith.

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Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's 12 apostles, was entrusted with the group's finances. However, his stewardship was marred by dishonesty; he frequently pilfered from the communal funds. This pattern of theft highlights a deeper moral decay, revealing a heart more attuned to material gain than spiritual growth. His indignation over Mary's anointing of Jesus Christ with expensive perfume further exposes his misplaced priorities. While he feigned concern for the poor, his true motive was self-interest, as he was more concerned about the loss of potential personal gain than the act of devotion itself.

Judas’s love for money was finally exposed when he eventually betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This is a clear example of the message conveyed in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”