I have been thinking about the readings for Palm/Passion sunday, and I came to realize that in the gospel of Matthew there are only two times real people are referred to as a “friend.” The first time is when Jesus is called a friend of publicans and sinners. The second time is when Judas is addressed by Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus says to Judas, “Friend, do what you came to do.”
I, at least, find it rather amazing that of all the people Jesus could have called friend in Matthew, he only does so to Judas. I still don’t know what to make of it exactly, but I will continue to ponder its meaning.
A Far Country 