Yesterday I mentioned that Judas participated in the First Eucharist. That was not the last time Christ encountered Judas. Remember the kiss in the garden? It was the last time Jesus before he rose from the dead that he was touched with gentleness. For the next 2000 years novels have been written including kisses in gardens. Kisses between lovers, clandestine kisses, kisses of farewell, kisses goodbye, and yes other kisses of betrayal. Judas’s kiss may be the most famous and memorable, but we know very little about why that method of identification was used. Why not a hug, a handshake, a pointed finger. Why a “kiss?”
I wonder about things like this. Am I missing something? Is there a subtlety or message that if I can only solve, all my questions will be answered? Why a “kiss?” I don’t have the answer, but I will not quit wondering. Lent is a time to ask such questions, because when I ask, I am communicating with God. During my questioning, I may not get the answer to the question I am asking, but I just might get another answer. That’s the nature of conversation with God.
Notes from a Traveler: We are in Little Rock staying with friends, visiting other friends and family. Computer problems continue, but are being worked around. Will give a full report tomorrow. W.
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