Today, on Holy Wednesday—traditionally known as Spy Wednesday—the Church invites us to reflect on one of the most tragic figures in the Passion story: Judas Iscariot.

Who was Judas?

Why did he betray Jesus?

And what can we learn from his story?

In Monday’s Gospel, we heard about the moment when a woman anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. Judas objected, pretending to care for the poor, but the Gospel tells us the truth: he was the keeper of the money bag and used to steal from it. Judas was a thief long before he was a traitor.

Then, in Tuesday’s Gospel, we see Judas again during the Last Supper, this time alongside Peter. Both of them failed Jesus:

Judas sold Him for thirty silver coins.

Peter denied Him three times.

And yet their endings were very different.

Why would Jesus choose someone like Judas as an apostle if He already knew Judas would betray Him?

Because Jesus sees the goodness that lies deep in every heart. He doesn’t judge us based on our sins or our hidden pasts. He believed Judas could change. He even made him the group’s treasurer, entrusting him with responsibility. That’s how God works—He believes in us, even when we don’t believe in ourselves.

So why did Judas betray Jesus?

It didn’t happen overnight. His heart was already compromised by greed. Over time, his little thefts fed a monster that slowly took control. His love for money grew stronger than his love for the Master.

But here’s the truth: the biggest tragedy wasn’t that Judas betrayed Jesus—it was that he lost hope in God’s mercy.

Instead of running back to Jesus, like Peter did, he gave in to despair.

A Modern Parable

Remember the musical “Little Shop of Horrors”? It’s about a man who discovers a strange plant that comes to life when fed with drops of blood. At first, the plant is small, but the more blood it gets, the bigger and more demanding it becomes. It brings the man success and attention. But eventually, the plant demands something horrifying: to be fed with the man’s own loved ones. And he gives in—because he’s afraid of losing everything.

That’s what sin does.

It starts small.

It brings short-term comfort.

But if we keep feeding it, it grows into something that consumes us.

For Judas, money became that monster. Thirty silver coins didn’t appear out of nowhere—it started with tiny acts of dishonesty. The monster grew—and eventually devoured him.

Reflections

Do you have a “monster” in your life that you’ve been secretly feeding?

Something that seems small now, but is growing?

Is it an addiction? A habit? A grudge? A secret sin?

Are you afraid to let it go because it brings you comfort, pleasure, or success?

Judas’ greatest mistake wasn’t betrayal—it was despair.

He didn’t believe that God could forgive him.

But we know better.

Today, let’s remember: God always forgives.

So let’s forgive the “Judases” in our own lives.

And let’s ask forgiveness from the people we’ve hurt, too.

ForgiveAndBeForgiven

Note: found on my Facebook, I found this reflection speaking to me. Adding flesh unto it, I thought of sharing it with you.