Today is sometimes known as "Spy Wednesday" because the Gospel read at Catholic masses on this day is about Judas' betrayal. Judas betrayed Christ for his love of money (there are other theories as well, but all value something else higher than Christ). How can knowledge of the ways that YOU have placed earthly things higher than Christ lead you to an appropriate compassion for Judas - and likewise, yourself - and lead you to be stronger in your faith? Or do you think that we should feel compassion for Judas? Was his betrayal too deep?
Brother Judas Iscariot
ReplyDeleteInner circle disciples each took up part of the work.
Five out of twelve got most of the press.
In each were mixed motives, the Adversary did lurk.
Word Made Flesh walked serenely, Trinity’s plan to address.
Ministry training has followed this concentrated form.
Three years of book work, another year of mentored care.
Most Lutherans, a university degree, requirement uniform,
Discernment of ‘the call’ or area of ministry to become aware.
Politics enters every aspect of our life together.
Who influences who can become a consuming goal.
Internal conversations: Who’s greatest? Which seat? A bother;
Boasting, bickering, cajoling, challenging, serving, each a role.
Word Become Flesh sets his focus to bring truth to power.
Challenges money practices entering, leaving the temple back door,
Religious establishments take note of rebellion in flower,
Plots thicken; betrayal decided; who on the inside might they score?
Creator and Spirit from onset saw the goal needed.
Incarnation, ever a messy business, would bring it to pass.
Word Become Flesh organized his group, crucifixion idea seeded.
Reality, paradoxical, moves the drama amazing, sweet or crass.
Judas chose his role to take as the climax loomed.
Word Become Flesh courageously encouraged the step next.
In darkness of soul, Judas met with conspirators entombed.
Scapegoat found in this New King, authorities in power vext.
Never doubt the mixed nature of our hearts, disciples all.
This side of glory, each capable of dire choice,
Many moments of the day require closeness to Christ or fall.
Trinity’s grand success culminates in resurrections’ voice.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
28.3.13
Can You?
ReplyDelete"Oh, Judas what have you done?
You have betrayed Him!
Even you, small minded and peevish as you are, you couldn't have stooped so low." But I could feel his eyes on me as he asked, "Have you never betrayed Him? Have you never turned your back on him? Have you never had other gods before Him?"
I could not answer and I watched as he turned away and walked into the night. He would go to his death in a deserted field. But I am still here among the living, for I am forgiven. I have only to remain true to Him, to carry out His purpose for me here. Most of my choices have been made, most of my work done. It should be easy. But what if I am called upon to stand up
for the truth. Will I back down and make excuses? What if I hunger for a forbidden fruit? Will I be able to resist? I have crept under God's wing and hidden from pain. Will I turn my back on Him now that things are going so well?
Even Peter, who promised to stand by him, denied him three times. I can hope Judas asked for forgiveness and that maybe it was granted him before he fell to his death. Because I could not answer Judas by saying I had never betrayed Jesus.
Can you?
Clarene Aitken
28.3.13
the question each of can apply.
Deleteronaldo