Jesus admits us into the inner circle of friendship. He gives us the one rarest token of friendship, that is, a task to do for our Friend's sake. He asks us to go out to all men, and tell them about His love and sacrifice for them. And He asks that everything we have be held and used for this sacred friendship trust. Are we being true to our Friend's trust? Is there more stored away for ourselves than is being sent out on His errand? Is there any discoloration on our gold? Anything that looks like rust, a dull-red color -- ah, it looks strangely like the color -- the stain -- of blood.

Is Judas so lonely, after all? He coupled a token of friendship with a betrayal of his Friend's trust. In his heart he meant far less than the act actually involved. Is he so much alone?

"The latest years shall tremble hearing this
And burn for human shame unto the end,
That one of us betrayed the tryst his Friend
Would keep with God. A sign that none might miss

He named -- the pledge of love. The soul's abyss,
Christ saw, the heart of night, the purse, the end; Knew all, a Man, and knowing stui could bend
With soul unpoisoned to receive the kiss.

Before the multitude have I kist Thee
Fresh come from my blood-barter -- thou but come
From intercession for all souls -- and me.
And, mocking Love Divine, amazed and dumb,
I learn Love's deathlessness, and trembling press
The lips that kiss away my faithlessness."[37]