No two women have shared so much of life’s journey. Mary of Nazareth and the other we call Mary of Iscariot. Both sons, Jesus and Judas were born, the apple of their mothers’ eye. Both mothers had great expectations for their baby boys. These mothers were sorry to see their boys, as grown men, leave home. Where would they find work? Jesus, thanks to Joseph, could work as a carpenter. Judas it seems would become a banker.
Eventually their sons crossed paths. Jesus was a preacher; Judas was invited to follow Him and to manage the group’s finances. Like all mothers, these two women remained close to their sons – both proud of the path they had chosen. I’m sure these mothers must have met at family celebrations and other gatherings. They likely chatted and compared notes about their sons’ adventures.
Toward the end of three years, things went all wrong. Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver – Judas was the betrayer. Both mothers must have been in shock – “Not my boy!”…“Not my boy!”
Jesus was crucified – Judas committed suicide. Both mothers grieved their loss, each in their own way. Mary of Nazareth had the companionship of the disciples and the Holy Women. Who did Mary of Iscariot have at her side?
Grief does not discriminate – but we tend to. In our own lives we have lived and experienced our Jesus moments and our Judas moments. Let’s not be quick to bring judgement. Yes, we know that Jesus rose from the dead, but His ascending into heaven still left Mary of Nazareth with an ache in her heart – this ache also resided in the heart of Mary of Iscariot.
Two Mothers – Two Sons!!
I wonder if these mothers ever crossed paths again on this earth. Could they not be an example of “Truth and Reconciliation?”
Barbara Vaughan, CSJ