Judas and the Onions – Reflections on Excuses, Faith, and the Small Acts of Love

by a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads – Art & Other Odd Adventures

A portrait of a man in traditional garb holding onions, symbolizing humility and reflection. Title text reads “Judas and the Onions..

Dear Henry,

I have recently completed a study on the Gospel of Matthew, and although I've read this gospel several times, I am always surprised by some part of the story that stands out. This time, it was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

Did you know that Judas's motivation for that betrayal is nowhere in the scriptures?

Of course, we all know he received 30 pieces of silver for his betrayal, but even then, 30 pieces of silver wasn't a great deal of money. Perhaps about four months' wages and a small amount for condemning a person to death, much less a friend and the Messiah. And I wonder if the lack of Judas's reasons and excuses is deliberate.

In other words, it doesn't matter WHY Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, only that he did. His "reasons" are "beside the point."

A stylized man in a red turban holding onions, surrounded by watercolor tones of orange and blue. The quote reads, “To look for reasons is beside the point.” — Joan Didion.

And it occurred to me, during my contemplations, that I do something similar (albeit not nearly as severe) to my husband all of the time.

You see, I have an extreme aversion to discussing food preferences. Growing up, I was strongly schooled into eating what was put in front of me. Complaining about or stating a dislike for food would have gotten me, at best, a reminder of how lucky I was to be fed at all, and, at worst, a physical confrontation with a parent. Even now, as an adult, I struggle to ask for substitutions or omissions at restaurants and will not, under any circumstances, put forth a food preference as a guest in someone's home.

(Side Note: I felt a great deal of sympathy for the character Wavy in Bryn Greenwood's book All The Ugly Wonderful Things)

A portrait of a bearded man in warm tones, holding an onion with colored smoke swirling around him. The text reads, “Every vice has its excuse ready.” — Publilius Syrus.

Unfortunately, though, Fish hates onions. Absolutely loathes them. And, well, I can't tell restaurants to hold the onions when ordering takeout.

While at lunch with a friend, I was reminded that my vocation is marriage, and that I'm supposed to honor it by not dismissing my husband's preferences. I was also reminded that I'm a grown-ass woman who no longer needs to fear the consequences of displeasing my dysfunctional parents.

(Side Note: Friends who will tell you things like this are a gem.)

Because, really, it doesn't matter why my husband was served onions, only that he was and that I could have prevented that.

Of course, there is a big difference between feeding my husband onions and turning over Jesus for crucifixion, but, to quote the Gospel of Luke (16:10), "He who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much....." and maybe, I shouldn't be trying for great things, when I can't even manage the very little.

xoxo a.d. elliott

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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