Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast EpisodesVEC1 – Judas – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast
Episode 1 – Judas – “Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians“
Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor reflect on Judas Iscariot and how his story reveals both the mystery of sin and the depth of divine mercy. Aquilina discusses how Judas, once chosen and loved by Christ, distorted his God-given gifts through betrayal. Rather than seeing Judas as a simple caricature of evil, we should take a more reflective approach—considering what Jesus might have seen in Judas and recognizing that his fall mirrors the ways all people can misuse their calling. They touch on Judas’ possible motives—greed, disappointment, or confusion—and his tragic despair that led to suicide. Despite this, the early Church maintained hope for God’s mercy, recalling stories such as St. John Vianney’s counsel that even in one’s final moments, God’s grace can reach a soul.
Anger toward those who have hurt us can imprison the heart and how offering such people to God—especially in the Mass—can bring deep spiritual peace. Mike Aquilina also examines the Gospel of Judas, a second-century Gnostic text that recasts Judas as a hero, which was rejected by the Church for lacking authentic human and divine truth.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
- How does seeing Judas as someone once loved and chosen by Christ change the way you view those who have betrayed you?
- In what ways might you, like Judas, misuse the gifts or responsibilities God has entrusted to you?
- How do you respond when you feel disillusioned with God’s plans not aligning with your own?
- What does Judas’ despair teach you about the importance of trusting in God’s mercy, even after grave sin?
- How can you bring those who have hurt you to the altar in prayer, as an offering for healing and reconciliation?
- When have you struggled to forgive, and what spiritual practices help you release anger or resentment?
- How does reflecting on the mystery of Judas’ repentance deepen your understanding of divine mercy?
- What does the Church’s refusal to declare anyone definitively in hell reveal about God’s justice and love?
- How can you imitate Jesus’ response to betrayal in your own relationships and community life?
- In what ways can the story of Judas move you to greater humility, compassion, and hope in your spiritual journey?
Published on 4 days, 10 hours ago