April 1, 2026
On Wednesday of Holy Week, Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The day is known as “Spy Wednesday,” because after his secret meeting with the chief priests, he started to “spy” on Jesus and look for an opportunity to have him arrested, setting in motion the events of the Passion.
This betrayal is recounted in Matthew 26:14-16: “Then, one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.”
The term “Spy Wednesday” was believed to be first used in 19th century Ireland and England and in recent years by Pope Francis in a homily. This day is also known as Holy Wednesday, Black Wednesday and even Silent Wednesday since the Gospels say nothing of Jesus’ words or actions that day.
On this day, Catholics often participate in the ancient tradition of Tenebrae, which means “darkness,” and involves chanting the Divine Office, readings from Psalms, the Book of Lamentations and the New Testament. After each reading, a candle is extinguished, and the darkness symbolizes Jesus’ sorrow and suffering.
While Spy Wednesday is not as well known as Holy Thursday or Good Friday, it should be a day of reflection and prayer. Pope Benedict XVI said the story, which centers on the themes of betrayal and truth, has a profound lesson: Just because a person is associated with Jesus does not ensure loyalty. The fallen apostle was personally called by Jesus, he heard him teach, he witnessed his miracles, and yet he betrayed him.
“While there is no lack of unworthy and traitorous Christians in the Church,” Pope Benedict said, “it is up to each of us to counterbalance the evil done by them with our clear witness to Jesus Christ.”
Ultimately, the most important message of Spy Wednesday is that Jesus’ response to betrayal, and even denial, is always mercy, forgiveness and love.
©J Pisani
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