The story of the betrayal of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane by one of his own disciples, Judas, is very relevant to today’s society. Judas’ decision to hand Jesus over to the Jews for 30 pieces of silver was the catalyst that led to Him being crucified on Good Friday, an event of great significance to Christians around the world.
Throughout the history of mankind, there have been innumerable instances where people have been betrayed by those who were, supposedly, their friends, their lovers, their guardians. People have betrayed for money, for power. But society also betrays those it chooses to ignore.
Today, the media provide us with many stories of betrayal, sometimes for reasons that baffle and shock us.
The death of 18-month-old Tommaso Onofri in Italy a few days ago shocked the Italian nation. How could his killers be so callous? What could such a young child do to them? Little Tommaso, as he became known to the Italian public, was betrayed by those who should have offered him protection.
Tommaso’s story made the headlines in Italy but there are so many cases of betrayal that go un-noticed by the media, by the authorities and by the public.
Over the past couple of months, we have read in the local press of parents and relatives who have abused their children’s innocence, who allowed their children to suffer. Just as Judas’ kiss betrayed his master and teacher, it is an expression of so-called “love” that betrayed these children, that ruined their young lives, leaving them physically and psychologically scarred for life. This, certainly, must be the worst form of betrayal.
Last week, the European Parliament passed a resolution that called on the European Union to help Malta deal with the influx of irregular immigrants – people who have left their country because they were betrayed by those who sought power, irrespective of how they achieved it. The immigrants in the detention centres at Safi and Hal Far feel they have been betrayed by those who promised them heaven on earth and forced them to risk their lives on flimsy boats.
How has society reacted? What have we done, apart from condemning these people? Have we taken the necessary action to ensure that these things are not repeated? Unfortunately, society has not always acted in the best interests of those who are weak and susceptible to unspeakable suffering. Children who suffered child abuse at the hands of educators and carers, the victims of domestic violence who are belittled by those who swore to love and cherish them, people living below the poverty line who find no help from the state and people denied their basic human rights by callous political leaders, are all examples of how society can, has, and continues to betray its fellow citizens.
The State, the Church and each and every one of us has, at times, betrayed those to whom we should have offered protection and care; those we should have loved and not turned a blind eye to; those who begged for help but were not heeded; those whom we pitied but only after the damage was done.
As we prepare to celebrate the most important event for the Christian Church, the resurrection of Christ from death, the time is ripe to resurrect in us, in our society, a greater sense of social justice. We need to start acting responsibly towards those who have suffered an injustice. The authorities and the Church need to be more open and transparent and take concrete action against those who have betrayed others.
When we betray others, we are also betraying our conscience, our own sense of decency, our ability to love. There is no greater shame than betraying those we should love. In today’s contemporary society, unfortunately, we have even lost the meaning of shame. Today, society is Judas personified.