I am Judas…
I stood in back on ash wednesday,
refusing the ashes…
embarrassed to walk around
- a black cross on my forehead.
neither did I go up to be anointed
at the healing service they had this lent,
I didn’t want to be counted
amongst the old and sick and disabled.
I even stayed in my pew
rather than walk in procession on palm sunday…
I didn’t do much this lent…
except, I criticized what others did.
I made distinctions between the good guys
and the bad guys too.
I can always tell you what is right for you -
I can tell you what anyone should do…
“Why wasn’t this given to the poor?”
I judge and object and protest because
I’m a thief and a liar -
despite my denial: “Surely it is not I Lord!”
and false devotion, “Hail, Rabbi!”
I understand now
that “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.”
I am Judas…
not Peter or the Magdalen -
but the betrayer.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
have mercy upon me a sinner!