‘Surely It Is Not I, Rabbi?’

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Is 50:4-9; Mt 26:14-25

Today’s Gospel continues to reflect on the betrayal of Judas. 

Judas’ betrayal of Jesus contains many layers. 

It is ‘he’ who initiates going to the chief priests to ask, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’

It is ‘he’ who looks for an opportunity to hand Jesus over. 

Jesus talks of his betrayer as ‘dipping ‘his’ hand into the dish with me.’

And finally, it is ‘he’ who feigns innocence with others by asking, ‘Surely it is not I, Rabbi?’

If we look at Judas’ question, there is some difference. 

Other apostles ask, ‘Surely, it is not I, Lord?’ Whereas Judas sticks to the appellation ‘Rabbi.’

He pretends to be innocent. But his words betray him. 

The misunderstanding of Judas is known by the use of a title that only Jesus’ opponents used.  

Even Jesus’ love for Judas could not help his unfaithfulness. 

Judas’ betrayal of Jesus is nothing but the betrayal of Jesus’ love for him. 

Judas’ bad example cautions us that we should always pray for an increase in our love and faithfulness to the Lord. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar