Consider the journey Judas went on over three years:
called by Jesus, (Luke 6)
sent with all the other disciples to heal and preach (Luke 9)
trying to follow and manage resources well (John12)
hoping he is backing the one who will make a difference (Matt 21)
giving up, and letting dark thoughts dominate (Luke 22)
finding an unexpected source of funds (Matthew 26)
doing the deed when the crowd wasn’t around (Luke 22)
repenting and returning the betrayal fee to the high priests (Matthew 27)
So – the tipping point, with the chilling words: “Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot” comes in Luke 22. To what extent was money the trigger for Judas?
To what extent is money the motivation for my decisions? How much am I pre-occupied with -earning significantly, investing to maximise, being known for my beneficence, spending to feel good, passing on an inheritance, side-stepping my taxes…
Reflecting on your own journey of the last few days:
Using that prayerful practice many centuries old that can lead us to being mindful and present to the significance of our days and weeks .…the Examen:
- I invite the Holy One to bring to my heart and mind the times this past week where I am most aware of grace in my life.
- I ask God to bring to my heart the moments where I am least aware of grace in my life.
- I let my feelings come to the surface. Silently, breathing gently, I let God’s love fill me just the way I am.
- I thank God for whatever I have experienced this week. I ask forgiveness where I need to.
- I rest and reflect.
Do I want to journal my learnings or share them with a trusted friend?