Judas Iscariot

Here is a good question to think about.  If Jesus knew that he will be betrayed by Judas Iscariot, then why didn't Christ say something about it?  

Moreover, why didn't he take Judas Iscariot aside and say: Judas, this is what's going to happen.  Because of your betrayal, I will be handed over.  I will be crucified because of you.  And you will take your own life because of shame and guilt.  So why did Jesus remain silent?  

If you knew that someone, maybe an acquaintance is going to do something wrong, or have been consistently in error of thought and action.  Will you remain silent and just let them continue down that path?  Will you take them aside and explain to them the situation?  Will you force the person to change?  Or will you find a way to help them understand with charity and compassion.  Will you remain silent because of fear, because things may change?

Silence can be likened to a two edged sword.  

On the one hand, silence is golden.  Just like in a movie theatre, we observe silence and not be disruptive.  It can be a tool to reflect upon the spiritual mysteries, the consciousness of ones existence, a tool to reflect upon ones current spiritual status.

But silence can also be dangerous, especially when faced with some form of sin or injustice.  

I remember when in high school, my brother worked at a movie theatre.  He would take candy from the movie theatre with the rationalization that they always overcharge for the candy, anyhow.  

When he took it home, he gladly shared it with me.  And it was difficult for me to tell him that it was morally wrong.  Especially when I was partaking in the skittles and sour patch kids.  (I wasn't stupid).

The sacred scriptures help us to reflect upon silence as a tool.  When is a good time to be silent, and when is a good time not to be.  There is a verse in the Book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, which is often used at funerals.  And it says: "there is a time for everything under the sun.  A time to be silent and time to speak."  May the Holy Spirit help us to value silence and have the courage to speak when necessary.  God bless you!