BETRAYAL – MAUNDY THURSDAY

Americans have been experiencing a lot of intense days. And a growing number of Americans are realizing that they were duped by their incumbent President … betrayed by him – someone they thought cared about them and would make America great.

Many years ago, on this day, known in the Christian tradition as Maundy Thursday, the man named Jesus of Nazareth, was about to be betrayed … betrayed by someone who said he cared about, ‘loved’, him. That man, Judas, betrayed his friend, his mentor, his rabbi – Jesus. What drove Judas to such action? What drives anyone to betray another?

Perhaps those questions give rise to another question: “When someone is betrayed, has God been betrayed?” Perhaps reflecting on these questions may help get to the answer.

… When a desire for wealth or fame has overwhelmed the call to be persons of justice and mercy – has God been betrayed?

… If we name ourselves Christian, yet think unloving thoughts about another, act in ways that are not compassionate or kind or just – has the Holy One been betrayed?

… When selfishness prioritizes ‘wants’ before the ‘needs’ of others – has the Creator been betrayed?

… When we refuse to be uplifted, enabled, and transformed by the wisdom or experience of another – have we rejected gifts given by the Creator

… When we only see how right we are and ignore the learning that comes in acknowledging that we have made a mistake – have we betrayed the Source of All Being?

… When we will not accept God’s support and grace, strengthening us for the tasks we have been asked to undertake, or the new ministry roles we are challenged to experience – have we betrayed the Beloved Rabbi?

… When we say we love God, yet have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above – is our connection to the man known as Judas, tangible?

While today, Maundy Thursday, is a day to feel the pain and shock of Judas’ betrayal, it can also be a day to reflect on moments in our own lives
… when we have betrayed God
… when we have not forgiven another
… when we have spoken, or thought unkindly of another, betraying our common humanity by our words, thoughts, tweets, texts, social media comments.

On this holy day, whether or not we ascribe to the Christian faith, may we receive the story of the man, Jesus, in a spirit of humility, and draw closer to one another, mindful of the ways betrayal has been part of our life. And, in spite of it, may we know that we are loved by the One who always loves unconditionally and who invites us to do likewise to others by expressing kindness, compassion and justice.


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© June Maffin
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