Station 2, Day 1

Jesus is betrayed by Judas

While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?”[1]

Meditation

The second Station of the Cross occurs with Jesus still in the Garden of Gethsemane. He returns to his disciples and finds them asleep. A crowd of soldiers and curious on-lookers arrive, led by Judas. The Temple authorities needed an insider, like Judas, in order to capture Jesus for perhaps two reasons. First, they needed someone who was aware of Jesus’ movements so they could capture him when he was away from the crowds. Second, they needed someone who knew Jesus well enough to recognize him in the dark.

            The agreed upon signal, from Judas to the guards, was a kiss. Judas would go to Jesus, kiss him, and the guards would grab Jesus and take him back to the High Priest. It is ironic that Judas chooses a sign of affection to commit this act of deceit and betrayal.

Spiritual Discipline

Fast for the next 3 days by altering what you eat for lunch. Perhaps eat only an apple, or at least a significantly smaller quantity of food than normal. When you finish lunch and do not feel satiated, remember the kiss of Judas in the Garden. When hunger pangs return in the afternoon, remember Jesus being betrayed by a friend. When you are so hungry you feel you can barely wait until suppertime, imagine the stunned surprise of Jesus being betrayed with a symbol of affection.

Prayer

Loving Lord Jesus, I remember your betrayal on your last night on earth. I remember not only that you were betrayed, but that you were betrayed with an act of love. The pain of betrayal is deep, but the pain of betrayal by a loving act must be deeper still. Teach me to love you and others without a trace of betrayal. Amen.

This is the 8^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Luke 22:47-48