Where is your recognition ?

"Indeed, if, after having withdrawn from the defilements of the world, by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they recommit themselves to it and are vanquished, their last condition is worse than the first." 2 Peter 2.20

Judas : this name evokes the most lamentable story one can imagine ; that of the man who, called as an apostle, has become the most abominable of the traitors. His character is revolting and his project despicable. His infamous market with the chief priests inspires disgust. And what about his hypocrisy towards his Master that he delivers with a kiss ? It is no wonder that, mad with remorse, he ends up killing himself. As for her soul, she went away to eternal misery.

We who were pagans and became his children, take care not to turn away from him.

For three years he had been the object of a multitude of graces. He lived in the proximity of Jesus. Is it not from him that the Lord speaks already in Psalm 41:10 : "My intimate friend also, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, raised his heel against me." ?

He was one of the twelve, particularly honored, since he was in charge of managing the money (John 13:29). He was the one who was trusted. What lost this unfortunate ? The love of money. Because of this passion, he lost his soul.

The story of Judas is impressive. It bears a terrifying name, that of "Son of perdition" (John 17:12), a title that leaves no doubt as to its eternal future. Sinister detail, the antichrist, the great enemy of the last days, will bear the same title and have the same end (2 Thessalonians 2.3, Revelation 19.20).

Is not this story also written to warn us ? Indeed, we who have the privilege of knowing the Lord, who are privileged, because the Lord gave us his Spirit, we who were pagans and became his children, we to whom He entrusts many gifts and blessings, let us take care do not turn away from him.

A prayer for today

Lord, may I become aware of the grace you have given me to save me and fill me with your presence. Help me to turn away more and more from what is taking me away from you.

Jean-Louis Gaillard

Source (The Thought of the Day)