Retired Clergy Association (RCA) March 2022 Newsletter
Presidential Papers
Very Reverend Father Eugene Pappas
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BETRAYAL’S GREATEST WOUND
“Reclining at table with His disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified saying; Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” —John 13:21
Recall if you may the many times you got punched, pushed or shoved by a “bully.” Conjure the disciplined whack your parent transferred across your posterior, when you were out of control. How about those sibling punches, pinches or slaps that threw you for a loop, to evidence a pay-back well earned. Each outburst of physical retribution had its embarrassing, hurtful string. In time, it dissipates to a frowned memory. Physical attacks do hurt! They are forgotten as the flesh revives in color and tone. The hurt is truly but momentary.
Injury of the psyche (soul, mind, spirit) is lasting. This assault comes from a trusted companion, friend or kin. The assailant is one that you intimately confide in. It’s a person in your life, sharing secrets, desires, confessions of the heart known but to God alone. This injury is betrayal. It is not generated by an anonymous stranger. Betrayal must come from a trusted and faithful confidant. We have all experienced betrayal! For a variety of reasons, like greed, revenge, spite, or jealousy, a betrayed relationship is never healed. The wound is an open, infectious sore for the victim. Traitors or betrayers break that fragile relationship by word, deed or calumny.
History records the names of treacherous betraying agents: Judas Iscariot, Marcus Junius Brutus, Benedict Arnold and, closer to heart, Simon Peter the Apostle. They shared the infamous title. Each justified themselves with fidelity to the victim. The denial by Peter, the Judas kiss, the abandonment in time of crisis by the apostles, all evidence running away from the light into the abyss of darkness. Sorrow and remorse would overcome them without clemency. The perpetrator is condemned and damned on their own accord. Solace can be found only in the victim’s forgiving embrace. Jesus evidences Divine compassion and redemption to all, despite our revisiting sin in betrayal. Jesus’ fidelity through the Cross of Calvary is abounding. HE NEVER BETRAYS! HE IS THE CONSTANT IN OUR LIFE. As Lent approaches, discard your cowardice and betrayal. Bathe yourself in fidelity’s light and life. Return to His intimate sacred embrace.
KALI TESSARAKOSTI! A HOLY LENT!
V. Rev. Eugene N. Pappas,
RCA President
