The last word Judas spoke to Jesus was to call Him "Rabbi," meaning "Teacher" (Mt 26:49). One of the first words spoken to the risen Christ was: "Rabbouni" (Jn 20:16). This is a variation of the word "Rabbi," and it also means "Teacher."

Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene, the first person to meet the risen Christ, both called Jesus by the same title. The difference was that Mary Magdalene listened to her Teacher, while Judas did not. In other words, Mary Magdalene was docile, that is, teachable, and Judas wasn't. Docility is the difference between love or betrayal, between life or death, and heaven or hell.

For example, morning after morning the Lord will open your ears (Is 50:4). He will teach you "how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them" (Is 50:4). However, to speak these rousing words, you will have to suffer. You may have to expose your back and face to "buffets and spitting" (Is 50:6). Naturally, you don't want to suffer or even hear about suffering. Will you rebel (see Is 50:5) or be docile? If you are docile to the Rabbi's teaching about the suffering of the cross, you will meet the Rabbi risen from the dead. Be docile, or you'll be Judas.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, August 1, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 6, 1996