Jesus is taken to Pilate. The death of Judas: Matthew 27:1-10
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
Early in the morning all the chief priests and the Jewish elders made their plan against Jesus. What were they planning?
They put Jesus in chains, took him, and handed him over to
Pilate. How did Jesus respond?
When Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned,
he repented. Why did Judas betray Jesus?
Judas took the money back to the chief priests. The money had now become repulsive to Judas. What power does money hold over people?
The priests didn’t want to touch the money because it would make them unclean. To these people, how important was the letter of the Law?
Judas said, ‘I have sinned by betraying an innocent man to death.’ How did the priests respond to Judas’ confession?
‘What do we care about that?’ they answered. ‘That is your business.’ Was this the last straw for Judas, who went and hanged himself?
Judas threw the money into the sanctuary. The elders discussed how they could dispose of this unclean money. They decided to buy the Potter’s Field, which became a burial ground for foreigners. Hypocrisy is evident throughout this scene.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Do I discern with Jesus the small and large decisions I have to make in my daily life?
· How much influence does money have over my life?
· Do I use the daily Examen to help me to see where I have strayed from God’s plans?
· How do I respond to someone who tells me that they have done wrong?
· Can I listen to people without judgement?
· Do I know someone who has suicidal thoughts? How can I help them?
Prayer
Have mercy on me, O God, for I have sinned. Be merciful O Lord, for we have sinned. Amen.