As Holy Week approaches its nadir preceding its zenith, I want to share “The Ballad of Judas Iscariot” which I first read over forty years ago in Episcopal priest Morton Kelsey’s book The Other Side of Silence. (Since then I discovered a longer version online. The Ballad was written by Robert Buchanan.) I have been profoundly touched by the height and depth of the forgiveness and love it celebrates.

“The ballad is based upon an old fable that, after Judas committed suicide, his soul wandered through the universe, bearing his body, seeking a place for it to rest. Hell would not take it in; the earth would not receive it; the sun refused to shine on it. In all creation, Judas could not find a resting place. At last, in a nameless region of darkness and ice and snow the soul of Judas sees a lighted hall, with the shadows within of people moving about. The soul lays the body in the snow, running back and forth outside the windows. Although Judas does not know it, inside Jesus sits at the table with his guests, ready to receive the fleeing soul and relieve Judas of his burden.”

‘Twas the Bridegroom sat at the table-head,
and the lights burned bright and clear—
“Oh, who is that?” the Bridegroom said,
“Whose weary feet I hear?”

‘Twas one looked from the lighted hall,
and answered soft and slow,
“It is a wolf runs up and down
with a black track in the snow.”

The Bridegroom in his robe of white
sat at the table-head—
“Oh, who is that who moans without?”
the blessed Bridegroom said.

‘Twas one looked from the lighted hall,
and answered fierce and low,
“Tis the soul of Judas
gliding to and fro.”

‘Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
did hush itself and stand,
and saw the Bridegroom at the door
with a light in his hand.

‘Twas the Bridegroom stood at the open door,
and beckoned, smiling sweet;
‘Twas the soul of Judas Iscariot
stole in, and fell at his feet.

“The Holy Supper is spread within,
and the many candles shine,
and I have waited long for thee
before I poured the wine!”