Judas... great sinner or great necessity?

[Charlemagne_III]

This implies, perhaps, as some think, that Judas was a necessary agent of the Redemption.

He was an agent, but I don’t believe he was a necessary agent. Glad you agree. Again, there was always the possibility that the Romans could arrest Jesus with or without the betrayal of Judas. What Judas shows us is that even those nearest the throne of God (perhaps especially those) are capable of the most monumental treachery against Christ. There there have been any number of bishops and popes who have demonstrated this down through history. That is why, at every Mass, we pray for our bishop and our pope.

Tradition has it that Judas committed suicide. He knew the role he played, and he knew his guilt was his own, not the divine plan of Providence.

 

[tonyrey]

There is a huge diversity of meanings of the scripture you still refuse to explain.

 

[Ion]

In my opinion, Judas was in a state of “craziness” caused by the falling of his moral values after Satan entered him. The craziness was not total, he was able to count the money, but only in the depraved way. So it is pointless to think that something meaningful was in his mind.

 

[tonyrey]

In my opinion, Judas was in a state of “craziness” caused by the falling of his moral values after Satan entered him. The craziness was not total, he was able to count the money, but only in the depraved way. So it is pointless to think that something meaningful was in his mind.

The pieces of silver ceased to be important when he realised the full significance of what he had done. He was dominated by a sense of guilt.

 

[Ion]

The pieces of silver ceased to be important when he realised the full significance of what he had done. He was dominated by a sense of guilt.

I hope it doesn’t sound like a lack of charity, because even Judas has a human soul and Jesus loved him, but what is the meaning of his falling? Somehow we comprehend that God leaves bad things to happen to “good” people, and even more easily we comprehend that God leaves bad things to happen to “bad” people, but Judas fell from the position of an apostle to that of the most despicable human person. And one of the apostles had to fall.

Thinking a little bit more I realized that if one of the apostles had to fall that doesn’t mean he had to commit suicide…

 

[rfournier103]

You think that Judas’ sin of betrayal was unforgiveable? It wasn’t. St. Peter betrayed Christ THREE TIMES, but repented and was forgiven.

Amen.

Although this is far above my pay grade, I’ll chime in here.

Every man sins. There’s just no getting around that. From Peter to Judas to the Emperor to everyone else in ye olde Bible days… …and today as well. What separates the sheep from the goats and the wheat from the chaff so to speak; is how we handle it. Do we let it poison us and consume us; or do we follow the example of the prodigal son, admit we’re wrong, and fall to our knees in the Sacrament of Pennance and beg the Father’s forgiveness?

The Prince of the Apostles and the Least of the Twelve both sinned; but only one sought to make good and embrace God’s love and forgiveness. This in and of itself is a tremendous lesson.

The long and short of it is that God uses us all for all kinds of tasks here on earth. Some of those tasks are very hard; like Judas’s. Jesus WAS going to Sacrifice Himself for us some how, some way. We have to think that Judas’s role was part of God’s Divine Plan. However, Judas did not have the strength of faith to bear what had to be done. That man could not find it in himself to face what he did. That is why Jesus did not name Judas “Peter” - He named Simon “Peter”. Peter wasn’t “rock-like” prior to the Crucifixion, but he sure had to be “rock-like” after!

The Bible says that God knows us BEFORE we were even in the womb; so God MUST HAVE known full well what Judas would do to Jesus. Was it a sin? Yes. Could he have been forgiven as Peter was? Yes!!!

God did indeed need the wheels of our Redemption set in motion by Judas. If Judas didn’t do it, someone else would have. The GREATEST sin committed was when Judas REJECTED God’s Forgiveness, and took his own life. He must have felt it easier to die than face up to what he had done, and ask forgiveness.

We betray and reject Jesus every time we sin. We must look ourselves in the mirror, examine our concience, and ask ourselves; “am I going to be Peter, or Judas?”

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Amen.

Although this is far above my pay grade, I’ll chime in here.

Every man sins. There’s just no getting around that. From Peter to Judas to the Emperor to everyone else in ye olde Bible days… …and today as well. What separates the sheep from the goats and the wheat from the chaff so to speak; is how we handle it. Do we let it poison us and consume us; or do we follow the example of the prodigal son, admit we’re wrong, and fall to our knees in the Sacrament of Pennance and beg the Father’s forgiveness?

The Prince of the Apostles and the Least of the Twelve both sinned; but only one sought to make good and embrace God’s love and forgiveness. This in and of itself is a tremendous lesson.

The long and short of it is that God uses us all for all kinds of tasks here on earth. Some of those tasks are very hard; like Judas’s. Jesus WAS going to Sacrifice Himself for us some how, some way. We have to think that Judas’s role was part of God’s Divine Plan. However, Judas did not have the strength of faith to bear what had to be done. That man could not find it in himself to face what he did. That is why Jesus did not name Judas “Peter” - He named Simon “Peter”. Peter wasn’t “rock-like” prior to the Crucifixion, but he sure had to be “rock-like” after!

The Bible says that God knows us BEFORE we were even in the womb; so God MUST HAVE known full well what Judas would do to Jesus. Was it a sin? Yes. Could he have been forgiven as Peter was? Yes!!!

God did indeed need the wheels of our Redemption set in motion by Judas. If Judas didn’t do it, someone else would have. The GREATEST sin committed was when Judas REJECTED God’s Forgiveness, and took his own life. He must have felt it easier to die than face up to what he had done, and ask forgiveness.

We betray and reject Jesus every time we sin. We must look ourselves in the mirror, examine our concience, and ask ourselves; “am I going to be Peter, or Judas?”

I take issue with this notion that “everybody sins” While we are all born into Original sin, not everyone sins. Mary of course did not. She was not divine, she was fully human. Mary is our example that it IS possible. Tradition holds that there were several people who did not sin. Not to mention Jesus who commanded people to not sin. What kind of God commands you to do the impossible when he says “go and from now on, sin no more” To reach heaven one must die in a state of grace and biblically we know that when you are forgiven, your sin is gone. From scarlet to white. So, “We are all sinners” is a protestant view that supposes the very nature of man is evil and rejects baptism’s purpose and power. Was it Calvin who said we are like the chicken dung? God asks us to follow His commands. He asks us to not sin. If we break that request, there is a vehicle to return to Him, but just the same He is not asking the impossible.

Here is a biblical example.

LUKE.1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth.
1:6 And THEY WERE BOHT RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD, WALKING IN ALL THE COMMANDMENTS AND ORDIANCES OF THE LORD BLAMELESS.

 

[Timi_Celcer]

This is something I always wondered, and it seems to be a big question about free will vs. some form/necessity for fate/destiny in certain parts of our Faith. For me personally, this is the greatest mystery of the faith.

We are told that God became Man to save us, that He willingly entered a sacrificial death to forgive our sins, and I’m totally onboard with that. Perhaps I’m understanding it wrong, but this seems to be God’s plan that He had from the start.

If this is true, wasn’t Judas’ betrayal (or someone’s betrayal??) necessary for Jesus’ crucifixion? Wouldn’t that make Judas a great martyr… someone who needed to do something no one wanted to do in order to advance the plan of God?

One way of reconciled this in my mind was that in the end, everyone living in that time did indeed have Free Will, just as we all do. Judas had the choice of whether to betray Jesus or not… and if he chose not to, eventually someone else would have killed Jesus so that the prophecies would be fulfilled.

What do you think? Let’s keep it light and respectful

And if there is some kind of canonical, definitive answer to this from Apologetics, I’d love to hear it.

I look at it in this way. After Christ sacrificed himself for us, Judas could go to heaven if he repented. But instead in his free will, he decided to hang himself. I believe Jesus’s story might also be a metaphor. It was to show how man are evil and that they deserve no place in heaven, but Christ died for us and made heaven possible. It would made no difference if Judas didn’t betray Jesus. Another man would(probably something simmiliar), by his free will. If there would be no man(sinner) to betray Jesus, then there would be no sin and Jesus would not come to this world to die for us.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I look at it in this way. After Christ sacrificed himself for us, Judas could go to heaven if he repented. But instead in his free will, he decided to hang himself. I believe Jesus’s story might also be a metaphor. It was to show how man are evil and that they deserve no place in heaven, but Christ died for us and made heaven possible. It would made no difference if Judas didn’t betray Jesus. Another man would(probably something simmiliar), by his free will. If there would be no man(sinner) to betray Jesus, then there would be no sin and Jesus would not come to this world to die for us.

Viewing man as evil is not a Catholic view.

 

[rfournier103]

I take issue with this notion that “everybody sins” While we are all born into Original sin, not everyone sins. Mary of course did not. She was not divine, she was fully human.

I agree with all this.

Mary is our example that it IS possible.

Wasn’t she a “special case?” I could be wrong…

Tradition holds that there were several people who did not sin.

In all sincerity, I did not know this. Hopefully I won’t make this mistake again. I have heard a priest say that there was only ONE sinless human (Mary) and I guess I just kinda ran with that… This is the first time I have ever heard anyone (Protestant, Orthodox, OR Catholic) say that anyone other than Mary or Jesus was without sin. I’m not saying you’re wrong, just that I’ve never heard that.

Not to mention Jesus who commanded people to not sin. What kind of God commands you to do the impossible when he says “go and from now on, sin no more”.

Of course! But since we’re not perfect as He is, the best we can do is try. Even the pope himself goes to Confession. We try our best to live up to Jesus’s Command. He sets the bar very high. If it were any lower, is it possible we might not try as hard?

To reach heaven one must die in a state of grace and Biblically we know that when you are forgiven, your sin is gone. From scarlet to white.

We are in 100% agreement on this.

So, “We are all sinners” is a Protestant view that supposes the very nature of man is evil and rejects baptism’s purpose and power.

I do not agree with this. I do NOT suggest or believe that the very nature of man is evil. I suggest that the very nature of man is WEAK. Judas was weak. Peter was weak. I am and you are. Sometimes don’t do what we should. Anger, not loving thy neighbor, sometimes putting other things before God, not standing up to injustice are all sins that are VERY easy to commit.

Was it Calvin who said we are like the chicken dung?

Never met Calvin. No Idea what he said. Is he the kid from the funny pages with the stuffed tiger he thought was real?

Every Sunday at mass we ask (some of us beg) God to forgive us our sins. My objective was not to offend you. I believe very firmly that ALMOST ALL OF US sin because of our human weaknesses (not because we’re evil), and when we utilize the Sacrament of Pennance with contrition, God takes us back each and every time.

God asks us to follow His commands. He asks us to not sin. If we break that request, there is a vehicle to return to Him, but just the same He is not asking the impossible.

It sure isn’t easy. I can only speak for my own self ln saying that I strive daily to not sin in some way. Maybe one day I’ll get there!

Thank you for your feedback, Hoosier.

God bless you.

 

[rfournier103]

Viewing man as evil is not a Catholic view.

I will state again for clarity that I certainly do not hold the view of man being evil by nature. My view is that mankind is weak.

There was that incident in the garden… Even didn’t eat the apple because she was evil, she ate because she was weak.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I agree with all this.

Wasn’t she a “special case?” I could be wrong…

In all sincerity, I did not know this. Hopefully I won’t make this mistake again. I have heard a priest say that there was only ONE sinless human (Mary) and I guess I just kinda ran with that… This is the first time I have ever heard anyone (Protestant, Orthodox, OR Catholic) say that anyone other than Mary or Jesus was without sin. I’m not saying you’re wrong, just that I’ve never heard that.

Of course! But since we’re not perfect as He is, the best we can do is try. Even the pope himself goes to Confession. We try our best to live up to Jesus’s Command. He sets the bar very high. If it were any lower, is it possible we might not try as hard?

We are in 100% agreement on this.

I do not agree with this. I do NOT suggest or believe that the very nature of man is evil. I suggest that the very nature of man is WEAK. Judas was weak. Peter was weak. I am and you are. Sometimes don’t do what we should. Anger, not loving thy neighbor, sometimes putting other things before God, not standing up to injustice are all sins that are VERY easy to commit.

Never met Calvin. No Idea what he said. Is he the kid from the funny pages with the stuffed tiger he thought was real?

Every Sunday at mass we ask (some of us beg) God to forgive us our sins. My objective was not to offend you. I believe very firmly that ALMOST ALL OF US sin because of our human weaknesses (not because we’re evil), and when we utilize the Sacrament of Pennance with contrition, God takes us back each and every time.

It sure isn’t easy. I can only speak for my own self ln saying that I strive daily to not sin in some way. Maybe one day I’ll get there!

Thank you for your feedback, Hoosier.

God bless you.

Mary was conceived without sin. She died without sin. She is the only full human to have those two things happen. Adam and Eve were “born” without original sin, but they sinned through free will. All others (except Mary) were born with Original Sin. Mary was a “special case” because she had neither Original or Actual sin. In this way she was unique. However, many many die without sin and indeed without EVER sinning. Innocent baptized babies, mentally handicapped, and yes, even Holy men and women.

We cannot take the view that we all sin. To do so is to fall into hopelessness and despair for if that were true, even through God’s forgiveness we still would reject him and honestly, we would be children of a God who asks the impossible and expects the impossible. What kind of Father asks His Children the impossible? Not to mention the idea would be that to make it to heaven one would need to die on a Saturday afternoon about about 4 PM when walking out of the confessional. OF course venial sins are paid for in purgatory. The Church offers indulgences still, which wipe out even the temporal punishment from sin. Provided one fulfills the indulgence and is free from the ATTACHMENT to sin. Again, the Church would not offer this if it were impossible.

Make no mistake, God created a covenant with Man, a promise, and our end is to keep His Commands and Love him. Why would he ask the impossible of His Children?

Do you sin? Sure. Do I? Absolutely! And I must go to confession like any other human who has failed. But when I repent, and will to not sin again, I must believe that is possible I must believe that my Lord and My God can help me in this endeavor. If not, my resolve to not sin again is in vain. And Jesus was cruel to the woman He forgave by tying that forgiveness to a command to not sin again. We know this cannot be the case.

Will I need to go to confession between now and when I die? I am sure of it! But I strive to NOT have to. I must believe that possible or what is the point?

John Calvin was a famous protestant. You know, Martin Luther, John Calvin, etc…

Though I did like the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip and If I am not mistaken the character “Calvin” is named for and represents John Calvin and “hobbes” represents Thomas Hobbes a 17th century political philosopher. IF you have read the strip a lot you can see the different philosophies portrayed by each character, probably why Calvin was such a “troublemaker”

I am enjoying this conversation as well!

 

[rfournier103]

John Calvin was a famous protestant. You know, Martin Luther, John Calvin, etc…

Though I did like the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip and If I am not mistaken the character “Calvin” is named for and represents John Calvin and “hobbes” represents Thomas Hobbes a 17th century political philosopher. IF you have read the strip a lot you can see the different philosophies portrayed by each character, probably why Calvin was such a “troublemaker”

I am enjoying this conversation as well!

I know who John Calvin was. I was just being cheeky. If you read many of my posts, you’ll see that I can be quite sarcastic at times. I did not throw that in there to zing you; I just did it for yuks.

Some of my posts have necessitated my need to go to Confession; as I have seriously locked horns with some very staunch anti-Catholics here. Attacking the Church or it’s teachings is an excellent way to send me into a rage (deadly sin right there).

Back to the original discussion…

I think the Judas/Peter comparison is fascinating. Truthfully, I only really made the connection this morning. Both men sinned, but both dealt with it very differently. They are truly the “Bookends of the Apostles”. Someone could write a book on just that topic alone. St. Peter is one of my favorite saints because even though he messed up BIG time, he made good in the long run. I find that tremendously inspiring.

St. Joseph is another one, because I am in construction (as was he). My godfather’s name was Joseph (also in construction). I took Joseph as my confirmation name. Believe it or not, my godparents’ names are Mary and Joseph. Mom and Dad didn’t plan it that way, it just happned!!!

When Bl. John XXIII is canonized he will join Peter and Joseph as favorites of mine. Drew Brees is also one of my favorite Saints, even though I’m a Patriots fan.

 

[steph_86]

I take issue with this notion that “everybody sins” While we are all born into Original sin, not everyone sins. Mary of course did not. She was not divine, she was fully human. Mary is our example that it IS possible. Tradition holds that there were several people who did not sin. Not to mention Jesus who commanded people to not sin. What kind of God commands you to do the impossible when he says “go and from now on, sin no more” To reach heaven one must die in a state of grace and biblically we know that when you are forgiven, your sin is gone. From scarlet to white. So, “We are all sinners” is a protestant view that supposes the very nature of man is evil and rejects baptism’s purpose and power. Was it Calvin who said we are like the chicken dung? God asks us to follow His commands. He asks us to not sin. If we break that request, there is a vehicle to return to Him, but just the same He is not asking the impossible.

Here is a biblical example.

I agree with your statements, but I believe they have to be tempered a little. It is true, the Lord calls to sin not. In the Sacred Scripture, when He forgave the prostitute, He told her:

“Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you? No, Lord, she said. And Jesus said, Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” - John 8:10-11

Even further, Our Lord states:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” - Matthew 5:48

Based on the above quotes, then, Our Lord gives a mandate to sin no more, and to be perfect. That is, Our Lord Jesus calls the believer to holiness and even more, to perfection. However, in the case of Our Lady it must be stated that no human creature will ever be able to equal her sanctity. The reason being that, she received a Grace that no other human creature has received and will ever receive. She received** the Grace of the Immaculate Conception.**

In Innefabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX define ex cathedra the dogma of the Immaculate Conception:

We declare, pronounce and define that the doctrine which holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the first instant of her conception, by a singular privilege and grace of the Omnipotent God, in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind, was preserved immaculate from all stain of original sin, has been revealed by God, and therefore should firmly and constantly be believed by all the faithful.

—Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus, December 8, 1854[35]

From the first instant of her Conception, Our Blessed Mother was free and “preserved immaculate from all stain of original sin”. By the fact of the Immaculate Conception and by virtue of it, the Virgin Mother will always be greater than all humanity which is born of woman, with the stain of Original Sin. In Mary, there is no inclination, no tinge, no imperfection of sin. Her soul is beautiful, free, blameless, spotless, pure, humble and adorned with the fullness of Charity and of Virtue. This is a perfection that no other human creature can reach, nor will ever reach.

Still, Our Lord would not give us a command if He knew that we would not be able to fulfill it by our obedience. For this reason, the Lord God, arms us with the assistance of Grace, Knowledge, and Charity, which we derive from the Church which is termed, the Sacrament of Salvation. Yes, perfection is, possible. It is the perfection of Love, of Charity.

In his first Epistle, St. John makes the following statement:

“No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God.” - 1 John 3:9

This seems like a very difficult statement. Later, however, he makes the following statement:

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.”

In other words, it is only by the exercise of love, that is, supernatural love, also known as agape, that spiritual perfection is possible. And the foundation of that love, is Obedience, in itself being an expression of humility. In Catholic spirituality, the state of perfect Charity is known as the unitive stage, also known as the stage of the transforming union. It is by Love that one is united to the Divinity, it is by Love that one prays, it is by Love that one teaches, and it is by Love that one sacrifices and redeems.

 

[steph_86]

Foreknowledge does not imply causation!

The theory that Judas believed it was necessary for him to betray Jesus in order to fulfill Scripture also seems farfetched. It casts doubt on his ability to think for himself.

I am not sure. Being a Jew, and an Apostle, Judas knew Scripture, and likely knew the Prophets. I think that this quote is quite clear:

“From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised” - Matthew 16:21.

I do not see how this prevents his ability from thinking. It can be argued that perhaps, Judas’ sin was not premeditated. That, I think, is arguable. But I also think that, based on Sacred Scripture, Judas was possessed, at least, at the moment he betrayed Christ. Possession does not necessarily impede one’s ability to think and make decisions.

 

[steph_86]

I stated that Judas was obsessed with his own guilt, not that he was mentally ill.
There is no evidence that Judas rejected the teaching of his Master. The fact that he was stricken with guilt is diametrically opposed to the conjecture that he rejected the teaching of Christ. It is far more likely that he realised the enormity of his crime and gave way to despair - which is understandable in such circumstances. We should always give people the benefit of the doubt rather than make them scapegoats and condemn them without full knowledge of the facts.

I do agree that Judas realized the enormity of his Crime. St. Peter did too, however, He heard the call of Mercy in his conscience, and he cried, and therefore, repented. Judas, however, gave way to despair, and committed suicide, which is a mortal sin. It is certain that had Judas heeded the call of Mercy, he too would have repented.

 

[Aloysium]

Matt 27: 3-5 When he found that Jesus had been condemned, then Judas, his betrayer, was filled with remorse and took the thirty silver pieces back to the chief priests and elders saying, ‘I have sinned. I have betrayed innocent blood.’

He appears to repent his involvement in the death of an innocent man. It would appear that he did not know Jesus, nor the Father who sent Him.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

John 1:9 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I believe God would offer His forgiveness, but in the strength of his pride, Judas refused the call to submit to God, and he hanged himself. Perhaps he could not forgive himself, holding his judgement higher than God’s.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Matt 26: 24 The Son of man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will, but alas for that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!’

It is better not to be born in only one case: if one’s ultimate end is hell.

 

[tonyrey]

I do agree that Judas realized the enormity of his Crime. St. Peter did too, however, He heard the call of Mercy in his conscience, and he cried, and therefore, repented. Judas, however, gave way to despair, and committed suicide, which is a mortal sin. It is certain that had Judas heeded the call of Mercy, he too would have repented.

Only God knows whether Judas was in a state of mortal sin. It is not for us to condemn anyone.

2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. **The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives. **

Including Judas…

 

[Ion]

Isn’t there a simile between the snake in the Garden and Judas?
The devil entered the snake who tempted Eve for her destruction and also the devil entered Judas who sold Jesus?

 

[tonyrey]

He appears to repent his involvement in the death of an innocent man. It would appear that he did not know Jesus, nor the Father who sent Him.

In other words he was probably possessed and/or mentally disturbed.

I believe God would offer His forgiveness, but in the strength of his pride, Judas refused the call to submit to God, and he hanged himself.

If he was mentally disturbed he did not even consider whether he was submitting to God.

Perhaps he could not forgive himself, holding his judgement higher than God’s.

“perhaps” is an inadequate reason for concluding that Judas is in hell.

It is better not to be born in only one case: if one’s ultimate end is hell.

Hell is the result of determination to live for oneself and be totally independent. It is far more likely that Judas wanted to disappear and no longer exist at all, let alone live for himself. He hated himself not his Master. Why else did he say: “'I have sinned. I have betrayed innocent blood.” ?

Judas confessed he had committed a terrible crime. He wanted to disassociate himself from his reward because he knew he deserved to be punished. Yet the worst criminals don’t even regard themselves as evil because they worship themselves and convince themselves God doesn’t exist - or is insignificant. For them nothing matters except their own pleasure and satisfaction. They are guilty of egolatry whereas Judas regarded himself as totally unworthy of respect. No one could have had less self-esteem when he hanged himself.

Unlike St Paul, Judas couldn’t even say “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God”. He may even have believed he had destroyed the church of God. That fact alone is enough to justify the statement of Jesus it is better for that man if he hadn’t been born. To be overwhelmed by guilt not only in this world but for all eternity is surely one of the worst punishments imaginable. No wonder so many people believe Judas is in hell. :tsktsk:

They forget that God is not only infinitely just but also infinitely loving and infinitely merciful. The inability of Judas to forgive himself was not due to malice or wilfulness but ignorance. Those who condemn him should remember the words of Jesus in answer to the question “Who then can be saved?”