NOTES for Mat 26:6-16
Bishop Anthony, Metropolitan of Sourozh, preached a sermon in the spring of 1977 on Great Wednesday, and in that sermon there was this parable: "An ascetic was asked how he could live with such joy in his soul, with such hope, when he knew himself to be a sinner. And he answered: When I stand before God, He will ask me: Did you know how to love Me with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength, with all your life?.. And I will answer: No, Lord!.. And He will ask me: But did you study what could save you, did you read My word, did you listen to the instructions of the saints?.. And I will answer Him: No, Lord!.. And then He will ask me: But did you try at least somewhat to live worthily even of your human calling?.. And I will answer: No, Lord!.. And then the Lord will look with pity at my sorrowful face, will look into the contrition of my heart, and will say: In one thing you were good: you remained truthful to the end. Enter into My rest!.."
Let us think today about Judas. Let us think about ourselves. We are no better than he is. We have betrayed the Lord so many times. Let us at least today be truthful, truthful to the end. Is the fact that we live in warmth and comfort while there are people on the streets who have nothing to eat, people who are suffering to the limit, not betrayal? And not even for thirty pieces of silver. Let us feel pity for Judas, if not tenderness and love. Let us share the tragedy of this poor, small man. Let us understand how low we have fallen. Not before the world, no. We have been called among the closest disciples, and the world is no longer our measure. Before Him we have fallen; we are unworthy of Him, and He still loves us and to the end hopes to save us, as He wanted to save Judas!
Yes, this is exactly how some modern theologians interpret the morsel given to Judas. And this morsel is given to us as a call of love ready to forgive everything. We need only come to our senses while there is still time...