I Would Never...

Wednesday of Holy Week

Matthew 26:14-25

“What are you willing to give me?”

I don’t usually find myself indicted by Judas’ question. 
I am not sure why I feel so certain that ‘I would never...’ 

I have thought it

I have said it…even if in mock-humor that betrays my
       seriousness

I have eagerly anticipated the answer

Transaction.  It does sometimes appear to be THE organizing principle of 21^st Century life. 

“What are you willing to give me?”

If I help you…

If I love you…

If I take care of you in your weakness…

“What are you willing to give me?”

If I don’t tell…

If I don’t exercise my right to…

If I don’t prey on your weakness…

“What are you willing to give me?”

When the veil of the Temple was ripped in two

Torn in a way that can never be mended

Religious life based on transaction was destroyed forever

Communion over Commerce

Jesus says

“I have come not to be served but to serve”

And Judas says

“What are you willing to give me?”

The choice is clear

But demanding