Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles. He walked alongside Jesus, listened to his sermons; he witnessed great miracles firsthand; he participated in the close and intimate conversations in which Jesus Christ opened his heart to them, inspiring them with his plans and dreams. Furthermore, he enjoyed the trust of his companions, as he was their treasurer.

The Pharisees and scribes, fearfully concerned about the fame and prestige Christ had achieved, asked the soldiers, “Why didn’t you arrest him?” They replied, “Because no one ever spoke with such authority as he did.” They decided to kill him. For his part, Judas had become a sort of secret dissident and also sought to intimidate Jesus. Eliminating him wasn’t part of his plans, so he threw the bag of money to the Pharisees when he learned they wanted to kill him. However, he valued his betrayal at thirty pieces of silver. The signal would be, “Whoever I kiss on the cheek is the Man, seize him.” That evening, Iscariot, along with the soldiers and a crowd of people, marched in search of the Master, as if he were a seasoned and ferocious criminal. Jesus was alone and defenseless. Judas approached him. Jesus tried to dissuade him without success. He was so certain and focused on his task that without hesitation or remorse, he planted a kiss on Jesus’ cheek; immediately the soldiers pounced on Jesus and subdued him.

|With a kiss, an expression of friendship, affection, and love, the tortuous and infamous path to the Passion of Jesus Christ began. This harmful attitude is still prevalent! In the name of freedom, equality, justice, well-being, the poor, peace, and human dignity… How many deceptions, abuses, and slavery have been justified and continue to be perpetrated today! Certainly, human beings do not act deliberately seeking harm for themselves or others. They force an argument that confirms their actions. The State alienates the freedom and responsibility of citizens precisely to offer them a kind of well-being.

On the other hand, if Judas received a sum to facilitate Jesus’ death by handing him over, how much is life worth today? The question may seem irrelevant, because it is priceless. However, what twisted reasoning is used to place selfish interests over human life? The truth is that, for a few coins or millions, the same goal is achieved: to suppress human life with such ease that it is frightening.

But the Passion of the Lord does not end with his death. He conquers it with his resurrection. And the way he communicates his victory to his disciples is also through very human and meaningful gestures. He reassures them: “It is I, do not be afraid.” He has long, profound conversations about everyday life. He prepares a meal for them. And finally, he says goodbye, encouraging them to continue and transmit his teaching. Christ did not come to change love or freedom… he died to transform hearts, for only through them is it possible to live these values ​​to the fullest.