Male. 30 + 164 words . St. Peter: "Judas". From To the Great Egress.

By Paul Pasulka

I appreciated - No, I loved Judas. I was envious of him, but I loved him. It just didn’t make sense. We all envied him. He was Jesus’ favorite, the only one who truly understood him. At Passover Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.” There was a look between them of immense sadness. Matthew said Judas asked, "Is it I, Rabbi?" but I heard him.  He said, “Must it be I.” Then, at the garden, when they came for him, Judas kissed him, tenderly. Afterwards he was so horrified at what he had done. He pleaded with us to stone him. To release him from his pain.  He pleaded: “I have to see him. I have to have his forgiveness.” (Beat.) So, he hanged himself. After a few days the rope snapped. His body burst and his bowels gushed out. Jesus wasn’t here when Judas died. I don’t think it would have made much difference, though. He - Jesus - really didn’t have much power.