A kiss on the cheeks between two adults is a sign of friendship, love and respect. In today’s Gospel context, it is a sign of betrayal. (Matthew 26:48) We know that Judas Iscariot had arranged to betray Jesus to the chief priests and elders of the people for thirty pieces of silver. Judas was waiting for the opportune moment. It presented itself at the end of the Passover supper when Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray taking some of His disciples with Him. Judas sought out his accomplices and accompanied them to the garden armed with swords and clubs. “His betrayer had arranged a sign with them saying, ‘The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest Him.’ Immediately, he went over to Jesus and said, ‘Hail, Rabbi!’ and he kissed him.” The betrayal is complete – signed with a kiss.
This Good Friday is a day of remembrance, thanksgiving and personal reflection on our relationship to Jesus and to the significant others in our lives. We remember Jesus’ great act of total self-giving of Himself on our behalf, a self-giving that led to His dehumanizing crucifixion and death. We give thanks to Jesus for His great love for us, a love that brought Him to the cross and, yet, a love that achieved our redemption. He died for us. We reflect on our relationship with others. Do we support and encourage them and correct them when necessary – that is, do we give them a kiss of love. OR, do we tear them down apart behind their backs – that is, do we give them a kiss of betrayal.
Andre's Hearth 