Blue Book Lectionary reading. Read full passage here John 13:21-28
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Gospel of Matthew
And when Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus looked at Judas and said, “What you are planning to do, go do it now.”Some thought that Judas, their trusted treasurer, was being told to go buy what was needed for the Passover celebration, or perhaps to go give something to the poor. So Judas left quickly and went out into the dark night to betray Jesus. Gospel of John
Don’t you find it interesting that Jesus let Judas be in charge of the community purse? It seems that God always allows us an opportunity to let go of what occupies our hearts. These moments become potent places for spiritual formation. We can choose to either be transformed or deformed. Judas chose the latter.
Reflection questions: What is your connection to money? How much would it take for you to sell out your conscience? How has the consumer culture affected you? Do you use your money to get what you want, even the money you give to God? When you stop getting what you want, do you take your money and go? How can Judas’s story help you keep from selling out?
What will it profit to gain the whole world and lose your soul?