Betrayal

One of my reflections during the Holy Week is the will to forgive.
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. Despite his disloyalty, Jesus forgave him and continued to be a faithful friend to him.
Macquarie Dictionary defined betrayal as to be disloyal or unfaithful, to deceive or mislead, to reveal secrets, to seduce and desert, and to disappoint the hopes or expectations of another.
Betrayal can transpire anywhere and to anybody. For instance, a relationship is usually destroyed if a partner is unfaithful. According to psychologist Joshua Coleman, romantic betrayal is traumatizing.
Friendship and betrayal are commonly associated. There is a greater chance or possibility that someone will betray his friend if he is no longer beneficial and appealing to him. It is really important not to fully trust a comrade. A friend today might be an enemy tomorrow.
Workplace too is an avenue for interpersonal betrayal. A study of Jones and Burdette revealed that nearly 19 percent of men were betrayed by a colleague at work. An employee often betrays his co-workers through lying, exploitation, and sabotaging.
Politicians or leaders also experience betrayal. For instance, Julius Caesar was murdered by his own senators at a meeting in a hall. Marcus Brutus is one of the assassins. He is actually Caesar’s protégé and a close friend. They were envious because their authority was declining due to Caesar increasing power.
In the Philippines, it is presumed that Emilio Aguinaldo betrayed Andres Bonifacio. Apparently, he ordered the killing of Bonifacio. Insecurity and fear is the alleged reason of his unjust vexation towards Bonifacio.
Who among us can remember the story of Abel and Cain? Cain took the life of his own brother Abel because of jealousy. It seems that was a curse as we keep on hearing similar stories about sibling rivalry and betrayal.
Psychologists say betrayal can be caused by many things like jealousy, greed, power, and fear. These can push people, even as close as family, to act against you for their personal interest.
Betrayal can bring shock, loss and grief, morbid pre-occupation, damaged self-esteem, self-doubting and anger. Thus, we need to avoid betraying our fellows.
Let us revitalize our hearts and souls as we commemorate and recall the last episode of Jesus’ life on Earth during this Holy Week. His humbleness, compassion and great teachings should enlighten our minds and inspire us to be righteous and kind to everybody.
We must heighten our faithfulness and commitment to our family, friends, and fellow employees and especially to God and to our savior Jesus Christ. Repentance and forgiveness should reign in our hearts. Bear in mind that “Love begets love, anger begets anger.” (JENELYN J. AGAYO)