If Not For Judas

Mary Manin Morrissey tells the story of a man who found a newspaper classified ad, offering a late-model Jaguar for $50. He called the number listed, and then made a mad dash to the seller's house.

Barely a year old, with 3,500 miles on it, the Jaguar appeared in near perfect condition. The fellow handed the woman the money, and took the signed registration from her without a word.

Finally, he had to ask. "I don't get it. Why are you selling this very valuable car for $50?" The woman responded: "It belonged to my husband, who left me. He didn't tell me face to face; he left me a note saying he was in Jamaica with his girlfriend and that I could have the house, the other car and the bank accounts. All he wanted was that I sell the Jaguar and send him the money."

The truth is that often when someone betrays us, vengeance seems like a perfectly normal response. And yet, is it possible that there is a gift for us in the midst of what has the appearance of hurt, abandonment and even betrayal? In fact, is it possible that whatever it was had to happen to propel us forward on our path?

You remember the story of Judas and the betrayal of Jesus. Historically, Judas has been looked upon as the lowest of the low. But his part in the story was necessary. Click on the link below to go to my blog, and listen to my Easter Sunday talk, "If Not for Judas."