FROM TREASURER TO TRAITOR: PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD YEAR C ON APRIL 13TH, 2025 (Gospel before Procession: Luke 19:28-40; R. 1: Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24; R. 2: Philippians 2:6-11; Gospel: Luke 22:14-23: 56) FR EMMANUEL INEDU OCHIGBO

Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian artist born on April 15, 1452.  According to Popular Legend, when da Vinci was working on the painting “The Last Supper,” depicting Jesus and his disciples, he needed models for the figures. He found a young man to model for Jesus. The young man was handsome and angelic in appearance. Some people add that he was a choirboy in a Church in Milan. After completing the image of Jesus and most apostles, da Vinci needed a model for Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. At this point, da Vinci was looking for a man who could represent the opposite of Jesus, someone whose face could convey the guilt and betrayal that Judas represent. Leonardo found this man in prison. When the guards took the man away after da Vinci completed the painting of Judas Iscariot, the man cried out to da Vinci, “Da Vinci, look at me. Do you not know who I am?” Da Vinci, surprised, replied, “No, I have never seen you in my life until the guard brought you before me out of the dungeon in Rome.” The man then said, “Leonardo Da Vinci, look at me again, for I am the same man you painted just seven years ago as the figure of Christ. Many events have occurred between then and now.”

My dearly beloved in Christ, this story highlights that a person’s outward appearance or role can change dramatically and that even those who seem to embody goodness can fall into darkness. No wonder St Paul cautions in his First Letter to the Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.”

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of the holiest week of the year. As we listen to the Passion Narrative today and on Good Friday, many of us will confidently distance ourselves from Judas Iscariot, and even condemn him to eternal damnation. As we sit in judgment against Judas Iscariot, we must reflect on how Judas Iscariot got to his infamous end.

Did Judas present himself to Jesus and the other disciples from the very beginning as a traitor and an evil man? From every indication, he began as a trustworthy disciple. If it was obvious to the disciples that he was a traitor, when at the Last Supper, Jesus said, “One of you is about to betray me,” the other disciples would not have gone around the table asking about whom Jesus meant; they would have immediately responded, “Hmmm, is Judas at it again?” But no one guessed Judas was the culprit.

Judas Iscariot started as a disciple with great potential. His role as the treasurer of the apostles (John 12:6) indicates that the other disciples saw him as trustworthy and capable of handling important responsibilities.  His initial willingness to follow Jesus was heroic. Remember, Jesus did not force anyone to follow him. Judas willingly left behind his previous life to follow Jesus, which indicates that Judas saw the potential of the new life in Christ. 

How, then, did he get here? How did Judas, the trustworthy disciple of Jesus, become the traitor who betrayed Jesus? There are many possible explanations for this unfortunate shift in Judas Iscariot. First, he had some misguided messianic expectations. Like many Jews of his time, Judas likely expected a Messiah to be a military leader who would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom. However, when Jesus began to speak of suffering, servanthood, loving enemies, forgiving others, and spiritual kingdom, Judas felt Jesus had disappointed him. This disappointment might have driven Judas to force Jesus into action, probably thinking that handing Jesus over to the authorities would compel Jesus to reveal his power and establish His kingdom.

Second, the influence of materialism and love of money: Judas, as the treasurer of the group, stole from the money bag (John 12:6). His love for money began to compete with his love for God. Hence, when the opportunity came, it became easier for him to trade his master for 30 pieces of silver. Third, manipulation from Religious Leaders. Possibly, Judas began to listen more to the religious leaders than to Jesus, and over time, he began to believe them more than he believed Jesus, so they took advantage of him after they brainwashed him. Fourth, unworthy reception of the Holy Eucharist. According to John 13:27, “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.” He knew he was not on good terms with others; instead of seeking reconciliation, he went ahead to receive the Eucharist, the agent of unity unworthily, and Satan took control of him: Fifth, Despair rather than Repentance. After realizing the gravity of his actions, instead of looking up to God for mercy, he looked down on himself, fell into despair, and took his own life. This last step was the final expression of his misguided understanding of Jesus’ mercy and God’s grace. My dearly beloved in Christ, are you still standing? Are you still very sure of yourself that you are the best in town? Are we still standing in judgment against Judas Iscariot? Before you pass your final judgment of Judas, remember how he started. He was the trusted treasurer but became a traitor. Before we condemn Judas, let us check our expectations of God. Do we let God be God or twist God’s arm? Do we trust religious leaders more than we trust God? Are we overly materialistic? Do we receive Jesus in the Eucharist while we are planning the destruction of another human being? Remember, the man in Leonardo da Vinci’s story began as Jesus but ended up as Judas Iscariot. May our Love for God overcome all evil influences until we come to our heavenly inheritance, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Homily for Palm Sunday Year C 2025