Lent #34:  Wednesday in Holy Week.

One of the Twelve went to betray Jesus.

(Mark 14:10)

While Jesus was once again teaching in the porticos of the temple courts, Judas Iscariot slipped away to the chief priest and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?" They settled for thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:14-16).

Some think “Iscariot” is a form of “sikarios” meaning “assassin” speaking of those who sought a violent and clandestine revolt against Roman oppression, Jesus disappointed him. He was hoping Jesus would be more like his namesake Judas Maccabee who fought and gained independence from Greek oppression. Who knows? Maybe he just wanted to make some money. Whatever the case, Matthew tells us this (27:3-11):

When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.

 Will we see Judas in Glory?