The Role to Play

We all have a role to play, a purpose in life.

14 Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,[a] went to the chief priests 15 [b]and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, 16 and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,[c] the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 [d]He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” 19 The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”[e] 22 Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 24 [f]The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” 25 [g]Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

Every story has a villain, a hero, a climax, a turning point, a beginning, an end, a twist, etc. In our present reality, we do not want to be the 'Judas Iscariot' of the group. As I read the gospel reading, I cannot help but wonder if Judas' role is really the villain through and through. After all even Jesus said, "... but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Is Judas meant to be doomed even before his birth, then? It is true that Jesus is Love and He is an overflowing river of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Surely, there is room for forgiveness for Judas. However, because of despair, lacking in trust and faith, and guilt, Judas opted to kill himself rather than face Jesus. Perhaps Judas was afraid that he will not be forgiven. But then again, isn't it true that Jesus never condemns, never judges, always forgives, heals and gives many chances? If there is an alternative ending for Judas, I would like that he did not kill himself. I would have wanted that he asked for forgiveness, mercy and compassion, and that Jesus gave it to Him. His story will definitely be very remarkable, if it is the case. A perfect story for those who are wondering if there is forgiveness for those who sincerely ask for one despite one's sinfulness. The choice is ours if we want to take the road to destruction or the road to redemption. Jesus does not condemn. Despite knowing the plan of Judas, never did Jesus say in the group that the former is plotting evil against Him. This is a proof that Jesus continues to knock in all our hearts, and will never condemn. What will our choice be?

Image courtesy: artist

Love and Charity

Love is never costly.

1 [a]Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. 3 Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus[b] and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 4 Then Judas the Iscariot, one [of] his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, 5 “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages[c] and given to the poor?” 6 He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.[d] 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”9 [The] large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, 11 because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.-John12:1-11

Here, Mary showed the highest form of love - anointing the feet of Jesus and drying them with her hair. This humble act can truly touch any person. However, if Jesus and so many others are moved with this gesture, there is one who thought that such an act is a waste. Yes, we all have that tendency as well. I remember the "Ghost" movie. In the middle of the story, Oda came in possession of $4 million through the guidance of Sam, the ghost. Of course, she was very happy and planned the many things she would do with the money. However, since the money belonged to Sam, he told her to give it all to the nuns on the street. Perhaps Oda felt that giving $4 million to charity is a waste because she herself is in need of money too.

Love can be painful. Charity can be painful. Giving can be impractical. The little that we give is but nothing compared to the love, sacrifice and pain Jesus endured to save us all. Jesus is inviting us to love God and our neighbor more and more.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ