Morsel, Judas and Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Holy Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 13:21-33, 36-38*

*First Reading :Is 49:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17*

*Morsel, Judas and Jesus*

*1) What is a “Morsel”?*

A morsel is a small piece of food—usually bread.

In  the biblical account of the Last Supper (John 13:26), Jesus dips a morsel in the dish and gives it to Judas Iscariot.

*Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ Then, dipping the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas…* (John 13:26)

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, sharing a morsel—especially one dipped by the host—was a gesture of closeness, favor, and friendship.

Jesus offering it to Judas was not just identifying the betrayer; it was a final act of love and a plea to his conscience.

Even at the moment of betrayal, Jesus extends mercy. The morsel represents both intimacy and invitation—an opportunity for Judas to turn back. Sadly, Judas rejects it.

*2)  Why Did Satan Enter Judas?*

Right after Judas takes the morsel, we read:

*As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.* (John 13:27)

Why or how did this happen?

Biblical Understanding:

*a) Gradual Opening to Evil:*

Judas didn’t fall suddenly. His heart had been drifting for a while:

In John 12:6, we learn that Judas used to steal from the money bag.

He was motivated by greed when he sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16).

By refusing the light, Judas opened the door to darkness.

*B) Free Will and Responsibility*

Satan can only “enter” when a person allows him to.

Judas was not a puppet. He made choices. Satan only entered because Judas had already consented inwardly to betrayal.

*c) Satan’s Influence in Darkness*

When Judas takes the morsel, the next verse says:

“And it was night.” (John 13:30)

The darkness outside reflects the spiritual darkness within.

*3) The Morsel and the Hardened Heart*

After receiving the morsel, the Gospel says:

*As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.”* (John 13:27)

This moment is spiritually chilling. It signals Judas's final decision to reject Jesus, even in the face of divine mercy. 

The heart, when repeatedly closed to grace, may harden irreversibly.

We are warned against the gradual resistance to grace.

Judas had multiple opportunities to repent, but he chose darkness. The morsel became not a gift of communion, but a line crossed.

*4) The Morsel and the Mystery of Free Will*

Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, yet He still included him at the table, still gave him the morsel.

This shows the tension between divine foreknowledge and human freedom.

God never forces us to love Him. He offers mercy, but the response is ours. 

The morsel, given in love, becomes the test of Judas’s heart. What do we do with the grace offered to us?

*5) The Eucharistic Echo* 

The giving of the morsel occurs in the context of the Last Supper—the institution of the Eucharist. 

Jesus gives Himself as the Bread of Life, even as He is betrayed.

Every time we approach the Eucharist, we are faced with the question: 

Are we coming as true disciples, or are we holding on to a “Judas” heart? The morsel reminds us to examine ourselves and receive Christ worthily (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29)

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*