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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider They paid Him 30 pieces of silver

They paid Him 30 pieces of silver

Published Apr 15, 2025 04:00 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Rich in what matters to God

 

Today’s Gospel narrates that Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests to betray Jesus. He asks them money in exchange for his betrayal of Jesus. Judas wants to have more. Evil catches us when we are not contented with what we have. Not to be contented with whatever is given us makes us envious of others for the blessings they receive. 

 

Envy, in turn, begets betrayal. Betrayal may happen even among the closest of people. Betrayal is one of the human experiences that may inflict the deepest of wounds to any person. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus must have been rooted from Judas’ envious heart. 

 

Moreover, envy does not only destroy interpersonal relationships but also has an encompassing adverse effect to communities. Nonetheless, even if betrayal resulting from envy happens, healing is always possible. 

 

Today is Holy Wednesday, and we are called to enter into the spirit of self-contentment. Do we want a heart that is free from envy? Have we ever betrayed someone or have been betrayed ourselves? Are we willing to be healed of the wounds cause by betrayal?

 

First Reading • Is 50:4-9a 4 

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? 

 

Gospel • Mt 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 30 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.

 

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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