Every year on Wednesday of Holy Week, we remember Spy Wednesday - the day Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
In that moment, money seemed more valuable than love and devotion to the Son of God.
We rarely sell out the Lord for coins, but how often do we exchange moments with Christ for worldly desires?
The good news is that God’s mercy is greater than our weaknesses, and through His grace, we can turn back to Him even after we fall. As we remember this tragic day in history, let us also reflect on the ways we can turn back to Jesus when we deny him.
Here are six common “30 pieces of silver” and ways to let them go:
1) The Approval of Others
We soften our faith to fit in, generate likes on social media, and seek approval from others.
Let it go: Offer this desire to Jesus each morning. Everything on this earth is temporal, and the only thing that matters is how we live for God in preparation for our heavenly home.
Just as Saint Thomas More did, let us choose truth over human praise.
“As for me, I do not care very much what men say of me, provided that God approves of me.” — Saint Thomas More
2) Career Success and Financial Security
Work, money, or financial stability can keep us from Mass, prayer, or generosity, especially when our earthly desires make it feel safer than surrendering to God’s will.
Let it go: Practice detachment. Be generous with material goods, receive the sacraments, and ask the Blessed Mother for the grace of detachment. No one can serve two masters— ”You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 24:6)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “the tenth commandment forbids greed and the desire to amass earthly goods without limit.” (CCC 2536)
Saint Francis of Assisi gave up his family’s wealth to follow Christ in radical poverty and joy.
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received, only what you have given.” — Saint Francis of Assisi
3) Comfort and Convenience
Nighttime scrolling, sleeping in, endless social media, or binging our favorite television shows can often take priority over prayer and doing good for others.
Let it go: Make small sacrifices—skip one show, fast from social media, or put the phone down at bedtime. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily.
These little selfless “no’s” leave room for Jesus. Offer these sacrifices to Him and be open to the grace He offers through them.
“Love is sacrifice, and sacrifice for love’s sake is joy.” — Saint Josemaría Escrivá
4) Grudges and the Need to Be Right
Unforgiveness can make us feel powerful, but it chains us and blocks the freedom of the Cross.
Let it go: Bring hurts and brokenness to Confession and Eucharistic Adoration. Pray for your enemies. Do good to those who hurt you.
As Jesus says, “If you forgive others… your heavenly Father will forgive you.” The Catechism also stresses that “Christian prayer extends to the forgiveness of enemies.” (CCC 2844)
Saint Monica persevered for years in prayer and gentle example until her son, Saint Augustine, returned to the faith.
“Nothing is far from God; and if we pray, He will hear us.” — Saint Monica (on persistent, loving prayer)
5) Endless Digital Distraction
Phones cause instant distraction, stealing quiet time for God.
Let it go: Put your phone in another room during meals or prayer time. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:11)
The Catechism notes that distraction in prayer “reveals to us what we are attached to, and this humble awareness before the Lord should awaken our preferential love for him and lead us resolutely to offer him our heart to be purified.” (CCC 2729)
“If the heart wanders or is distracted, bring it back to the point quite gently and replace it tenderly in its Master’s presence.” — Saint Francis de Sales
6) Thinking “I’ve Got This” on My Own
“I’ve got this,” can quietly and pridefully push Jesus aside and disguise itself as independence. We need Jesus in everything we do!
Let it go: Embrace spiritual childhood like St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Pray, “Jesus, I trust in You,” and surrender everything to Jesus. God’s grace is sufficient, especially in our weaknesses.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola taught the daily Examen as a powerful tool for detachment from the world, spiritual growth, and recognizing God’s presence in our daily lives.
“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will… Give me only Thy love and Thy grace, for this is sufficient for me.” — Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Choosing Jesus, the Pearl of Great Price
Unlike Judas, who despaired after betraying Our Lord, we can return to Jesus with hope. Jesus washed Judas’ feet and offered him the Eucharist anyway. He does the same for us in every Confession.
Jesus is the “pearl of great price.” He is worth every comfort, approval, or distraction we lay down.
Try this simple nightly examen: Where did I choose “silver” today? Lord, help me choose You in every way tomorrow.
Through the sacraments, prayer, and the saints’ examples, exchange each betrayal for love and sacrifice. Jesus waits for us. He wants to restore us, make us holy, and fill us with His everlasting peace.