30 Pieces of Silver

Gospel Reading | Matthew 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 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.”‘“ The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 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.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

During this time of Lent, especially in the last few days leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion, we hear stories like this that are much more explicit analogies for the issues we face today. This story especially might make us think, “Gosh, how could one of Jesus’s closest friends betray Him like that?” It seems crazy that someone who has been individually chosen by God to follow and learn from Jesus would intentionally hand Him over to be killed, just for money. What it gives us a chance to think about, though, is the ways we might betray Jesus in a less direct (but still just as serious) way.

Judas chose money over Jesus. Some choose popularity or fame over Jesus. Others choose laziness and comfort over Jesus. The list goes on and on.

Especially now, almost 2,000 years after Jesus lived here on this earth, it’s easy for us to disconnect from the reality of our faith. Sometimes we forget that God, and our faith in general, isn’t just some imaginary concept that people cooked up to make themselves feel good. He’s a reality, He’s the reason we exist in the first place, and He sent His only Son to give up His life so we could have a relationship with Him forever.

Every time we prioritize extra sleep over going to Mass (or just don’t bother to watch a Mass or read the readings right now since we can’t actually attend Mass), don’t put effort into our faith as much as we might for school or work, do something we know we shouldn’t just because we feel like it in the moment, or treat someone unkindly, we’re betraying Jesus.

Take a second to really think about this question: Do you believe God exists?

Think about it.

If we really, 100% believed that with our whole hearts, how would that change the way we live our lives?

Personally, I would say “yes” to that question – I absolutely believe God exists. But, then, why don’t I make more time to really talk to Him? Why do I dedicate so much time to watching Netflix and playing games and scrolling through social media, but only cram in prayer time when I’m in the car or in the last few minutes before I fall asleep?

Or, why do I get annoyed with people if I believe that God exists and is present in that person? Why do I sometimes speak to people in tones that I would never dare to use with God? Why do I stress so much about the things I have to get done and ignore the one person who can help me get through it more than anyone else?

If I really believe God exists, and that Jesus is God, why do I betray Him in these ways?

In these last few days before Easter, let’s use this time as a “final push” to become the best versions of ourselves so we can celebrate Jesus’s Resurrection in a new and more meaningful way. Reflecting on how Jesus was betrayed, arrested, mocked, beaten to a pulp, forced to carry a heavy cross with massive thorns digging into his head all the way up a hill, nailed to the cross, stabbed, and killed, let’s put Him first and see how life might change if we keep Him as our first priority.

What is one way you can make Jesus your first priority between now and Easter? Discuss in the comments!

(Read the First Reading below to help you understand the Gospel story even better!)

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First Reading | Isaiah 50:4-9A

The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; And I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.

The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?