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The Last Words of Judas

My friend Michael Hichborn of The Lepanto Institute did a podcast about a month ago that I just listened to this afternoon. It is a striking reflection on the parallels between the actions of Judas as recorded in the four gospels and the crisis in the Church in 2017.

I highly recommend it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv7IzFiD-qk?rel=0

 

49 thoughts on “The Last Words of Judas”

  1. Great talk, except for one thing. I’ve always heard and understood that Judas NEVER received Holy Communion – that he left BEFORE receiving. I think Mr. Hichborn is wrong in that respect. Anyone?

    Reply
    • Of course he did and his reward was, as Paul wrote, He ate and drank justice to himself. There is absolutely no reason for Paul have written those words otherwise. If he had not received then all the sinners that have received Lacking sanctifying grace and all the revelations such as the Archangel at Fatima’s warning over the blasphemies and sacrileges heaped upon the Blessed Sacrament of The Altar
      would have no value.

      Reply
      • Mike, could you please provide the Scripture reference that specifically says Judas ate and drank justice to himself? I completely agree that Scripture teaches what you say about receiving the Holy Eucharist unworthily (in a state of mortal sin) and in doing so – condemning oneself, but I can’t find where it’s stated that Judas did this.

        Reply
        • Here you go:

          St. Matthew, chapter 26:

          21] And whilst they were eating, he said: Amen I say to you, that one of you is about to betray me. [22] And they being very much troubled, began every one to say: Is it I, Lord? [23] But he answering, said: He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, he shall betray me. [24] The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man shall be betrayed: it were better for him, if that man had not been born. [25] And Judas that betrayed him, answering, said: Is it I, Rabbi? He saith to him: Thou hast said it.

          [26] And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. [27] And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. [28] For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins. [29] And I say to you, I will not drink from henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father. [30] And a hymn being said, they went out unto mount Olivet.

          [26] This is my body: He does not say, This is the figure of my body, but This is my body. (2 Council of Nice, Act. 6.) Neither does he say in this, or with this is my body; but absolutely, This is my body: which plainly implies transubstantiation.

          ****[27] Drink ye all of this: This was spoken to the twelve apostles; who were the all then present; and they all drank of it, says St. Mark 14. 23. ****

          St. Mark, chapter 14:

          [22] And whilst they were eating, Jesus took bread; and blessing, broke, and gave to them, and said: Take ye. This is my body. [23] And having taken the chalice, giving thanks, he gave it to them. ***And they all drank of it. *** [24] And he said to them: This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many.

          St. Luke, chapter 22:

          [19] And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. [20] In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you.
          s given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.

          ***[21] But yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. ***

          St. John, chapter 13:

          21] When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in spirit; and he testified, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, one of you shall betray me. [22] The disciples therefore looked one upon another, doubting of whom he spoke. [23] Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. [24] Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him: Who is it of whom he speaketh? [25] He therefore, leaning on the breast of Jesus, saith to him: Lord, who is it?

          [26] Jesus answered: He it is to whom I shall reach bread dipped. And when he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. [27] And after the morsel, Satan entered into him. And Jesus said to him: That which thou dost, do quickly. [28] Now no man at the table knew to what purpose he said this unto him. [29] For some thought, because Judas had the purse, that Jesus had said to him: Buy those things which we have need of for the festival day: or that he should give something to the poor. [30] He therefore having received the morsel, went out immediately. And it was night.

          [27] That which thou dost, do quickly: It is not a license, much less a command, to go about his treason: but a signification to him that Christ would not hinder or resist what he was about, do it as soon as he pleased: but was both ready and desirous to suffer for our redemption.

          This compares to what St. Matthew said. Judas Iscariot received Holy Communion unworthily, then had the morsel Our Lord gave him and then he left.

          St. Mark (14 : 23) says that “…they all drank of it.” That’s also in the footnote to St. Matthew 26: 27. That includes Judas Iscariot. St. Luke 22: 21 says that Judas Iscariot was there (and this is after he and the others received Holy Communion).

          ***Emphasis added.

          By the way, Judas Iscariot was a bishop. All the apostles became bishops when Our Lord instituted the Mystery (Sacrament) of Holy Orders when he said: Do this for a commemoration of me. (Luke 22: 20)

          So Judas Iscariot was the first one to receive Holy Communion and Holy Orders unworthily.

          Also, in re to what you wrote earlier: “…ate and drank justice to himself…”, that’s incorrect. This is what St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11: 29: For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord.

          I hope this helps you.

          Margaret

          Reply
          • Well, thank you, Margaret. It sure does. I appreciate your input. Actually, it was Mike who stated that St. Paul accused Judas of eating and drinking unworthily, and I questioned that.
            I suppose there are many things that will surprise us when we are perfected for Heaven and know all things, but it sure makes things easier when we have help understanding them here. 😉
            Thanks, and God bless you. Rocky

      • Steve, evidently it wasn’t so clear to all as there are different *opinions* and Chrysostum, Dionysius, Augustine and Aquinas seem to agree with you. But can you provide specific Scripture reference stating that Judas did receive? As I said, I’ve heard and read that he didn’t (I wish I could remember the good priest) – and there are some pretty good arguments. And then there’s Anne Catherine Emmerich’s account that in a vision she saw and angel snatch the Eucharist from Judas’ mouth! The Scripture I’ve read could be taken either way.

        Reply
          • Nice troll. It’s there. I’ve read it. But I have other things to attend to this evening.

            I’ll find it later, just because it’s fun to prove people like you wrong.

          • I had a minute. That’s all it really took:

            Jesus raised the chalice by its two handles to a level with his face, and pronounced the words of consecration. Whilst doing so, he appeared wholly transfigured, as it were transparent, and as though entirely passing into what he was going to give his Apostles. He made Peter and John drink from the chalice which he held in his hand, and then placed it again on the table. John poured the Divine Blood from the chalice into the smaller glasses, and Peter presented them to the Apostles, two of whom drank together out of the same cup. I think, but am not quite certain, that Judas also partook of the chalice; he did not return to his place, but immediately left the supper-room, and the other Apostles thought that Jesus had given him some commission to do. He left without praying or making any thanksgiving, and hence you may perceive how sinful it is to neglect returning thanks either after receiving our daily food, or after partaking of the Life-Giving Bread of Angels. During the entire meal, I had seen a frightful little figure, with one foot like a dried bone, remaining close to Judas, but when he had reached the door, I beheld three devils pressing round him; one entered into his mouth, the second urged him on, and the third preceded him. It was night, and they seemed to be lighting him, whilst he hurried onward like a madman.

            Emmerich, Anna Catherine. The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ . . Kindle Edition.

          • Troll? I simply asked for a “specific Scripture reference” proving Judas received Communion. The Emmerich thing I just threw in for levity. Emmerich is not Scripture. But thanks for the effort.

          • The troll was saying it’s hard to find something that isn’t there.

            I already gave you a link to the bible verse.

            Now I’ve given you ACE. You going to pretend that’s not enough?

          • I don’t understand your anger. I’ve not been disrespectful. When I heard the man say that Judas received the Eucharist, I was very surprised. I have read the Gospels many times – and you can be sure I will read them many more, Lord willing. But I know that when I have read them before, I was not sure as to whether or not Judas received Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. That’s why I asked for the specific Scripture, so I could go right to it and find the words that said he did receive. I do not want to be one to give wrong information to others, so I asked for information here so I’d be correct. Then I did a search and told you what I’d found. I even backed up your opinion with the Saints! Does a troll do such a thing?
            I am sorry that I have upset you. I’m old enough to be your grandfather, probably, if your picture is recent. I have no animosity toward you, whatsoever. I merely search for Truth.
            I will do so elsewhere. God bless you and your work.

          • Well, I’m glad to hear you’re not angry. As for coy, I don’t even know the meaning of the word. Steve, I know it’s sometimes difficult to *read* a person’s tone or intentions when conveyed by words alone. That’s why I assure you I’m not being anything but honest and respectful. Now, what I mean – if I can be perfectly clear – is that I’m wanting you or anyone to provide the chapter and verse that says Judas received Communion. Now, please believe me I’m being sincere here – I don’t think it’s there. That’s why I gave you the Saints who said it was their “opinion” that Judas did receive – because it’s not definitely spelled out in Scripture. There really are good arguments both ways. I was just wanting the chapter and verse that makes it clear. But I don’t think there is one. BTW, I’m thinking it was Fr. Mitch Pacwa who said he didn’t and offered good reasons. I love Fr. very much, but those Saints I mentioned hold a little more water, if you know what I mean. It’s this old codger’s bedtime.
            Good night and God bless, Rocky “Seeker of Truth” 😉

          • @skojec:disqus @rockybarber:disqus According to Dr. Peter Kwasniewski, author here at OnePeterFive:

            The ritual by the time of Jesus involved four cups of wine, parsley or some other green, unleavened bread, and the singing of certain psalms. Jesus transformed the Passover meal into a new ritual — the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. By identifying the bread as his own body and offering it to the disciples to eat, he pointed to himself as the new lamb of sacrifice (22:19): “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Before giving the Eucharistic bread, Jesus had already given them a cup of wine; this was the second of the four cups of wine. But after he gave them the Eucharistic bread, he identified the third cup as his own blood (22:20): “And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Each of the four Passover cups had a name, and the third cup was known as the “cup of blessing.” Note 1 Corinthians 10:16, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?” – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2016 | Should Christians Celebrate a “Seder Meal”? [UPDATED] | PETER KWASNIEWSKI – http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2016/02/should-christians-celebrate-seder-meal.html#.WK6YWPkrKUk

            Therefore, if Judas left after supper [more likely than not because of the LORD’s desire to eat with them + passover obligation], it appears he communicated under both kinds but was not present at the fourth cup which was also consecrated.
            ***
            For another view on the 3rd and 4th cup, cf. The Four Cups, the Last Supper, and the Cup of Consummation | TOM PERNA – https://tomperna.org/2015/04/02/the-four-cups-the-last-supper-and-the-cup-of-consummation/
            ***
            PS Dr. Kwasniewski identifies the cup after supper with the 4th cup. My further research into the matter is that the cup after supper is the 3rd cup [cup of blessing/cup of redemption].

          • I think I’m replying to FMShyanguya 🙂 Thanks so much for the information! I love a good explanation – there is so much more to be understood from the Bible, especially considering the times in which it was written. I look forward to reading the links you’ve given when I get back.
            God bless you

          • From Luke 22:20-23 (RSVCE)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A20-23&version=RSVCE, it is clear Judas was still at the table even after the consecration of the bread and wine into body and blood of the LORD.

            20 And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.[a] 21 But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this.

            Footnotes:
            a. Luke 22:20 Other authorities omit which is given for you. Do this in remebrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

            (My emphasis)
            ***
            PS

            18 I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ – John 13:18 (RSVCE)

          • Thanks for all the info. I truly admire your dedication and helpfulness, FMShyanguya. I will never be in doubt when I read the accounts of the First Mass again. God bless!

          • Thank you and you are most welcome! God bless you too and yours and his work at your hands. Each of us has a critical work to do especially at this juncture in the life of the Church.

          • Thank you all for carrying on this discussion with civility. My apologies to @rockybarber:disqus – I read a combativeness into his comments that may not have been there. I’m in battle mode too much of the time, and I tend to revert to my old ways as a defensive tackle – smash and plow. 😉

          • You are most welcome Sir! You and your site and its contributors are doing a lot for God, His Christ, and His Church. God continue to bless. Bit by bit I have come to gain some insight into and understanding of your personality. To me, your reactions arise from your great zeal and love for God, His Christ, and His Church [you just want the Church fixed and yesterday is not soon enough]. How you direct that zeal and love and the impetuous reactions stemming from them is key. Perhaps this helps: The two brothers Our LORD surnamed Bo-aner′ges, that is, sons of thunder were quick to want fire be called down from heaven. In his later years the same beloved disciple would not hesitate to quickly get up and ran away from a public bathhouse because a heretic had just come in cf. https://churchpop.com/2016/09/15/the-surprisingly-harsh-way-st-john-the-apostle-responded-to-a-heretic/

          • Was it not after supper that John was asked by Peter who was the traitor and did not Jesus answer.

            I am a little tired and a little foggy and have not checked the scriptures. Rest assured though that if there is confusion God would have sent a revelation to clear them up

          • If it’s OK to quote mystics, here is Maria Valtorta on the subject:

            And taking another entire loaf, not the remains of the one used for the Eucharist, He detaches a large morsel, He dips it into the lamb’s sauce left in the tray, and says: « Take it, Judas. You like this. »

            « Thank You, Master. I do like it » and unaware of what that morsel is, he eats it, while John, horrified, closes even his eyes not to see the horrid smile of the Iscariot, as he bites the accusing bread with his strong teeth.

            « Well. Now that I have made you happy, go » says Jesus to Judas. « Everything has been accomplished, here (He lays much stress on the word). What is still left to be done elsewhere, do it quickly, Judas of Simon. »

            « I will obey You at once, Master. Then I will join You at Gethsemane. You are going there, are You not? As usual? »

            « Yes… I am going there… as usual. »

          • Well aware of the latest “negative judgment of the Church” as well as the very favorable (or better!) imprimaturs from previous popes, bishops, priests including Padre Pio, and others. Any reasonable Catholic who reads MV scoffs at the description of the Poem as “a badly fictionalized life of Christ” as there is obviously nothing in it that is contrary to scripture and the Poem is, as Our Lady said in her apparitions at Medjugorge:

            Vicka: “Yes. The Poem of the Man-God by Maria Valtorta, ten volumes. Our Lady says The Poem of the Man-God is the truth. Our Lady said if a person wants to know Jesus he should read Poem of the Man-God by Maria Valtorta. That book is the truth.” (Interview with Attorney Jan Connell of the Pittsburgh Center for Peace on January 27, 1988, image1, image2)

            Marija: “Our Lady says The Poem of the Man-God is the truth.” [cf. R. Laurentin, Dernieres Nouvelles de Medjugorje No 15, OEIL, 1996, p. 19]

            Regardless, there was an ACE citation and MV is a beautiful means of adding further details to the topic.

          • I think it is time you understood that we have free will and should have an informed conscience. The Catholic Doctrine of Grace by Fr Joyce SJ. Any of the books by Dom Savinien Louismet (ot the new protestant translations). Theology of the Old Testament by Dr Paul Heinisch, dwell . most especially the wisdom books. There is another Jesuit author from the mid centuries and as soon as I can find my translation I will give you the name. It is time you read these kind of books and learn to think as a Catholic the better.

        • I often ask myself this, “If Christ is all prescient and does not want us to sin can he or rather the Holy Ghost the divine eternal spirit of sanctifying grace and supernatural love remove Himself. and if He can be in the Host under the veil of bread and wine also take himself out of the Host If as many cases in the Old Testament God states and I paraphrase I will not share my temple with my enemy.

          Reply
    • The person you are describing has conducted himself as a gentleman and with charity throughout this discussion. Your comment displays neither maturity nor charity.

      Reply
      • The founder of Lepanto is a nut case, obsessed with contraception, abortion, steriiization and sex, like much of the Catholic right.

        Reply
        • Your comment happened to be surrounded by an extensive exchange prompted by a gentleman’s request for a scriptural reference and I mistakenly thought that your comment was referring to that man. I see by your reply that you were referring to Mr. Hichborn. But no matter. My assessment of your comment applies equally no matter who you were referring to. And it is such a relief to learn that we are required to be charitable only to those with whom we agree. That so wonderfully widens what I had heretofore believed is a narrow gate leading to eternal happiness.

          Reply
  2. The scriptural exegesis in Hichborn’s podcast was wonderful. It brings to mind first reading Scott Hahn’s books; that is to say, I was blown away. Will be adding Lepanto podcast to my regular list. Thanks for posting.

    Reply
  3. Ask the pope out of respect is there going to be or you going to make a ritual or rite that will dissolve marriage bounds and announce a new gospel that allows divorce and the dissloveing of marriage bounds we can go to confession to be absolved from marrying and start a new marriage?

    Reply
  4. I hope it is not lost to the readers and visitors to this article the connection Mr. Hichborn makes between Judas’ lack of Faith in the Eucharist [cf. the Bread from Heaven discourse at the synagogue at Caper′na-um – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A22-71&version=RSVCE%5D and his later betrayal. I have said that it appears that the Pope and the innovators lost their faith awhile back. One then understands their audacity to promote sacrilege by wanting to grant communion and other sacraments to those persisting in objective grave sin. Cf. Cardinal Arinze Q&A – https://youtu.be/Cc0g3UMRtMM

    Reply
  5. This article reminds me of another article i read about St. Faustina`s diary. On her diary dated 17th december 1936 entry number 823 she wrote this:

    “` I have offered this day for priests. I have suffered more today than ever before, both interiorly and exteriorly. I did not know it was possible to suffer so much in one day. I tried to make a Holy Hour, in the course of which my spirit had a taste of the bitterness of the Garden of Gethsemane. I am fighting alone, supported by His arm, against all the difficulties that face me like unassailable walls. But I trust in the power of his name and I fear nothing.“`

    Notice the topic of suffering – priests. It mentions the Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus, Judas could have become a bishop or pope like the rest of the apostles. Notice the date – 17 December 1936. That date is the exact birth date of Jorge Bergoglio, who now calls himself Francis. The greatest apostasy of a priest is to become the False Prophet. No wonder St. Faustina suffered so much that day.

    Reply

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