There was a flurry of interest last year when the so-called "Gospel of Judas" was found. It appeared to make Judas out to be a hero, working together with Jesus in his plan to die for humanity, by betraying him in order to hasten the execution of that plan. Needless to say this is the stuff that cheap novels purvey, and the latest "news" from the scholars is that they were probably too hasty in making Judas a hero. Too hasty, certainly, also too sensational, and perhaps even anti-Christian, in their attempt to discredit the picture of Judas in the canonical Gospels.

If this document gives Judas' personal side of the story in order to vindicate himself, then it is not a Gospel. A Gospel is centred on Jesus and His salvific work. None of the real Gospels makes the evangelist or any other person besides Jesus its rationale.

The canonical Gospels provide authentic material for meditation. We may leave the man Judas in God's hands. For us his story is a sharp reminder that even a close disciple of Jesus could fall and betray him. During this Holy Week, let us look at the Judas in our own hearts and repent once more so that we may in great joy celebrate the feast of the Resurrection.