So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot — John 13:26
The story of Judas carries so many messages. However it just dawned on me that the story of betrayal begins with an act of kindness and affection.
Jesus feeds the very person who is about to betray him. The act of feeding another demonstrates our interdependence and need for each other. Most religions acknowledge that feeding our neighbors is our duty and obligation.
As an aside, I wonder if those who advocate only sharing the Eucharist with those who believe the same as they, have ever considered that the first recipient of the body of Christ was his betrayer?
The second act of betrayal in this story is a kiss. I hadn’t until recently thought that the the story of Judas in a way begins and ends with an act of affection — feeding another and a kiss.
How often are acts of betrayal, disguised as acts of affection? I think if we honestly look at ourselves the answer is often.
There is a wonderful message in this story (in fact many wonderful messages), but the one I think about today is that despite the Judas that is in each and everyone on of us God still loves us.
He feeds the saints and sinners alike. He loves the least of these in me. God does not withhold his love, his body and blood, from any of us.
Consider the image in your meditations. The hand of God extended out to feed even those he knows will deny him. Pretty powerful stuff.
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