The Second Station: Jesus Is Betrayed by Judas and ArrestedPresider: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Then, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. (Mark 14:43, 45-46)
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JUDAS I know you all want to ask the question, "Judas, how could you have betrayed the Master with a kiss?" But you have to understand. The dream, the dream of a Messiah and a kingdom, was all but dead. How was Jesus going to unite our people against the Romans If he continued to create division, breaking the Sabbath and Insulting our leaders? Jesus had become a hopeless idealist turn the other cheek, Indeed! How could any Jew dare to say, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar"? No, no, the dream was dead. Jesus had no Intention of conquering the Romans. Instead of collecting money to build an army, this dreamer gave It away to the poor. Yes, I took money from the common purse. I wanted my share-what's fair Is fair. Wouldn't you agree? There wasn't going to be any rich kingdom. Oh, I saw his power, the power over demons and sickness and even death. When I turned him over to the soldiers that night In the garden, I thought I'd force him to use his power against the Romans. I was sure he'd escape like he did In Nazareth when he magically made his way through a mob determined to kill him. I can't say I ever hated the Master; I simply be came disillusioned, bitterly disillusioned. I made a tragic blunder in betraying Jesus and I paid for It. I regret that kiss, but it's too late . . . too late. . . PRESIDER: Let us pray . ALL: Jesus, even though we have been unfaithful to you, you have remained faithful to us. Keep us mindful of our own human frailty lest we betray your trust In us. Unlike Judas, who turned away from you, may we turn to you for mercy and forgiveness. Amen. Were you there when Jesus was betrayed? Were you there when Jesus was betrayed? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble! Were you there when Jesus was betrayed? |