The Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, is a Roman Catholic church located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It stands right next to the Garden of Gethsemane, and is said to enshrine a section of bedrock where Jesus prayed before his arrest.
The church was built in the early 20th century (1919 – 1924) with donations from many countries around the world – including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and the United States of America – thus its name.
Three main mosaics dominate the front of the church, and one of these, I was surprised to discover, was donated by Ireland. The others were donated by Hungary and Poland.
The Irish contribution is based on a painting by Italian artist, Mario Barberis (1893-1960), and portrays the moment of Jesus’ betrayal. It is entitled “the Kiss of Judas.” I think what struck me most about it was that, if you look carefully, you will see that underneath his outer garment, Judas is wearing green.
Judas in green? Not Jesus, or even one of the other disciples, but Judas. I thought this was very interesting for a contribution that was funded from Ireland. I wonder is it coincidence? I wonder if the artist is making a very deliberate point? Either way, the truth is that there is something of Judas in all of us. Happily, Jesus is able to redeem us, whatever our national colours.
