Quesnel: Moral Reflections on the Gospels Vol 1

CHAPTER XXVI. 427
Terrible change, from one of the leaders of Christ's
flock, to a leader of wolves and robbers ! He
who
trembles not at the sight of so unaccountable a fall,
little knows how far the blindness and wickedness of
man's heart can proceed. Let us fear, in proportion
to the holiness of our state and condition. The
higher the station is from whence we fall, the less
hope is there of any recovery.
" 48. Now, he that betrayed him gave them a
sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is
he; hold him fast. 49. And forthwith he came to
Jesus, and said. Hail, Master; and kissed him."
The conduct of Judas is the picture of that of
hypocrites. Let us adore the God and Restorer of
peace, betrayed by a false token thereof. The world
is full of this kind of civilities and insidious compli-
ments, which tend only to deliver us up to it and to
destroy us. It behoves every one who loves his own
salvation to stand on his guard, A man must have
a heart as full of the meekness and peace of charity,
as that of Christ was, not to refuse a kiss of peace
to so perfidious an enemy, and so unnatural a traitor.
How will this condemn those who cannot bear the
presence, or even the sincere civilities of a repenting
enemy !
" 50. And Jesus said unto him. Friend, where-
fore art thou come ? Then came they and laid hands
on Jesus, and took him."
As is the heart, such is the tongue—mild, chari-
table, and ready to prevent even a traitor, and that
at a time when the most moderate are apt to lose all
patience. The last word which Christ uses in order to
make Judas recollect himself, serves only to harden