They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.
(Matthew 26:15-16)
What did Judas want, Lord? Was it just the silver? How could he be so close to you and not realize the hold that Satan had on him? The devil uses the fortune and fame of this world to distract us from the Truth. Being worldly does not mean being human; it means being swayed by appetites that can never be satisfied by the world. It is making your creation an end in itself instead of a means of reaching you.
Lord we have all dipped in the plate with you. You died to atone for my sins. Strengthen me and draw me closer to you that I may rejoice in your forgiveness. Like Peter, let me cry bitterly when I deny you. Let my transgressions humble me and enable me to realize that all my trust is in you. Do not let me despair like Judas. Thy will be done. Be merciful to me, a sinner.
Please help me today to work diligently and pray consciously. Center me in you.