At this point in the story of Holy Week, we stand as witnesses, looking on as Judas makes a bargain with the chief priests. What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you? They paid him thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:15). Judas was the keeper of the common purse, the funds that were possessed by Jesus and his disciples. If he were alive today, he would be the treasurer or the bursar.
Jesus knew his disciples very well. He knew their strengths and he knew their weaknesses ... and he loved them all. Jesus loved Judas even though he may have had difficulty separating his own sense of self worth from the money that was in his possession. It is understandable that Judas would have used his skills to bargain prices on many other occasions, but in this case, he was using his skills to determine a price for a human life.
With the exception of God, none of us is worthy of the privilege of setting a price on anyone's life. Human life is priceless, yet unfortunately there are some in our world who still think that they can set a price on such treasures ... treating them like common objects that can be bought and sold.
If we are aware of such tendencies either within our own hearts or the hearts of others, we need to pray today for the grace of conversion and a renewed understanding of the priceless treasures that have been entrusted to our care.
Have a great day.
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