Matthew’s gospel today, “Spy Wednesday”, describes the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of his disciples. He approaches the chief priests offering to betray Jesus and is given thirty pieces of silver. Then he joins the other disciples at the supper.

Jesus announces “One of you will betray me.”   “Surely it is not I?” Judas says. “You have said so,” Jesus answers. 

We wonder what Judas’ motives were and how God ultimately judged him. He was the first who “left Jesus, but let’s not forget there were others too.

Our first reading from the Book of Isaiah focuses on the Servant of God, Jesus, who does not turn away from his work of forgiveness, in spite of those who beat him. Though “an outcast to his brothers and a stranger to his mother’s sons” he does not draw back from the work of mercy.

“Lord, in your great love answer me,” His prayer is “for the poor and his own in bonds.” Is his prayer for Judas?  

When Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples must have questioned him about Judas as well as their own failure to be loyal to him. He answered them by going through Moses and all the prophets. I think the readings we have for our Easter Vigil is a summary of what he told them.

The Book of Genesis, the first reading of the Vigil, sees God’s original plan for humanity and all creation. The prophets speak on an outpouring a cleansing water refreshing a fallen world. The Word made flesh came to restore and recreate the world.  God reaches out to all in the mystery of his death and resurrection.

Today is a day to see us all, Judas, the disciples of Jesus, and ourselves offered the mercy of God.