“In today’s Gospel, one line stands out—simple, but very disturbing: “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”
These are the words of Judas. He does not begin with hatred. He does not begin with anger. He begins with a negotiation.
“What will I get out of this?” And from there, betrayal begins.
My dear brothers and sisters, this question is not only Judas’ question. It can also become our question.
How often do we relate to God like a transaction?
“Lord, I will serve… but what will I get?”
“I will be honest… but will it benefit me?”
“I will help… but what is in it for me?”
Slowly, without realizing it, love becomes a bargain. Faith becomes conditional. And relationships—even with God—become transactional.
And this is very real in our situation today.
In our society, everything can become a deal.
Integrity can be exchanged for profit. Truth can be sacrificed for convenience. Even relationships can be used for personal gain.
We may not betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver…but sometimes, we trade Him for something much smaller: a little comfort, a little advantage, a little recognition.
And that is how betrayal quietly enters the heart.
But there is a striking contrast in the Gospel. While Judas is asking, “What are you willing to give me?” Jesus is silently giving everything.
Judas calculates. Jesus surrenders.
Judas looks for gain. Jesus offers His life.
And this is the heart of the Gospel: God does not love us in a transaction. He loves us in total self-giving.
So today, Jesus gently turns the question back to us.
Not, “What will I get?”
But, “What am I willing to give?”
Am I willing to give my time for God?
Am I willing to give my honesty, even if it costs me?
Am I willing to give forgiveness, even when it is hard?
Am I willing to give myself in love?
Because real love is not measured by what we receive…but by what we are willing to give.
My dear brothers and sisters, as we enter more deeply into Holy Week, let us examine our hearts.
Where have I made my faith a transaction?
Where have I chosen gain over goodness?
Where have I, in small ways, “handed Jesus over”?
But let us not lose hope. Because even in this moment of betrayal, Jesus continues to love.
And He invites us—not to despair—but to return.
So today, let us change the question.
From: “What are you willing to give me?”
To: “Lord, what am I willing to give You?”
And may our answer not be words…but a life of faithful, generous, and self-giving love.”