A Holy Week Reflection

 


A HOLY WEEK REFLECTION


Primarily, we tend to emphasize the second half of Holy Week. The plan of salvation reaches its climax as we observe Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Nevertheless, we do have liturgies that mark the earlier half of Holy Week. Note especially the Gospels for both Tuesday and Wednesday. Each one centers around the person of Judas Isacariot. On Tuesday, we hear about Satan “entering into” the heart of Judas (John 13:27). Meanwhile, the Gospel for “Spy Wednesday” outlines the arrangement that Judas initiates with the chief priests (Matt. 26:14-16). It’s an arrangement that will lead to the arrest of Jesus. And we know what happens once the authorities have Jesus in custody. 


To what extent should we hold Judas accountable? Perhaps he deserves a healthy measure of sympathy. After all, he’s not responsible for his actions; he’s under the influence of Satan. It brings to mind a refrain from the 1970’s: “The devil made me do it!!”  We attribute this line to a comedian named Flip Wilson (1933-1998). It was one of his trademarks. Catch him misbehaving, and he will insist that it’s not his fault. The devil made him do it. Therefore we should consider giving him a break. And while we’re at it, let’s give Judas a break. 


Are you inclined to give Flip Wilson a break? Are you inclined to give Judas a break? As far as they are concerned, it really doesn’t matter. They’re not interested in what you have to say. They’re far more interested in what God has to say. Recall this statement from Jesus: It would be better if the man had never been born (Mark 14:21). He’s referring to Judas. Clearly, the glass is beginning to look half empty, rather than half full. Devil or no devil, Jesus has issued a grim prognosis for the person of Judas. 


Question: Is the grim prognosis a fair prognosis? It seems that Judas really couldn’t help himself. If we’re going to blame anybody, we should blame the devil (channeling Flip Wilson). Still, just what do we know about the devil? Is he a bully who overpowers your sense of will? Can he be described as a ruffian, as an enforcer derived from the pages of a Mario Puzo novel? Do we read anything about a gun being aimed at Eve’s temple as she stands before that fruit-bearing tree? Did Jesus have his arm twisted behind his back, when it was being suggested to him that he turn stones into bread? 


No, in each of those instances. Instead, it’s the devil operating by power of suggestion. The use of force is slightly amplified when we shift to the Book of Job. And yet, the devil can’t “make” Job curse the name of God. Job is never actually compelled to abandon his personal faith. He asks a long series of tedious questions. At times, he reaches the point of “demanding” an explanation from the Almighty. But it’s Job’s circumstances that are being shaped—not his will. The devil has control over the atmosphere, and he has the ability to insinuate. That being said, the devil is not being portrayed as an enforcer. 


So where does this leave Judas? The devil’s drum is beating, deep down within. There can be no doubt that the devil is playing a role as this drama unfolds. All the same, can we classify Judas as a victim? Should he bear some responsibility for the fact that Satan has established an interior foothold? Isn’t this a variation on Luke, chapter eleven? According to Jesus, evil spirits have a way of roaming. They don’t enter by using a battering ram; rather, they look for doors or windows that have been left open. Upon discovering a point of access, they stroll in, they settle, and they bring additional spirits along with them (see Luke 11:24-26). Isn’t it plausible that Judas gave the devil a significant opening? 


Remember that Judas is the one who initiates a deal with the opposition. He doesn’t just turn; he also expects to be remunerated (Matt. 26:15). Although, at this point we should probably step back and remind ourselves that it doesn’t really matter. Make an incriminating case against Judas. Or mount a defense. In the end, it’s between him and the Lord. It’s their business, not our business. Judas has his business with the Lord. Flip Wilson has his business with the Lord. Likewise, we will have our own share of business with the Lord. Spend idle time ruminating about Judas, about Flip Wilson, or whomever. Quality Time, however, should be dedicated to your own state of affairs. It’s not about the other person’s business with the Lord. Chiefly, it’s about you. It’s about your own business with the Lord. THAT’S what matters, more than anything else. 

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