The entire world quivers in anticipation of the announcement of the winner of the epic Golden Halo battle between Harriet Tubman and Joseph. In regular Monday Madness episodes, Tim and Scott have often said this final round takes place on “Spy Wednesday.”
Several of you have asked us about this unusual name for the Wednesday in Holy Week. The Supreme Executive Committee are always glad to SECsplain things, so herewith we offer some background on the name Spy Wednesday.
Spy Wednesday gets its name because this is the day on which Judas betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin. Because Judas is thought to be sneaky, his actions conjured up the image of a spy. The synoptic gospels all include an account of the betrayal — Matthew 26:12-14, Mark 14:10-12, Luke 22:3-6.
This is how the Gospel of Luke recounts the events:
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. (Luke 22:3-6)
The illustration above evocatively depicts this infamous scene. If you go to Holy Eucharist every day of 
Holy Week, the Gospel readings provide the narrative of Jesus’ final days, an ever-quickening story that spins out of control and finally brings us to Good Friday.
It is surely a strange juxtaposition to think about Spy Wednesday and Lent Madness in the same moment. But the whole point of Lent Madness is to engage us all in an exploration of the ways God’s grace has filled the lives of varied disciples through history and across all cultures. Sure, we’ve been silly and even competitive about our Lenten exercise. In the end though, we are learning to see in fresh ways how Jesus Christ matters to all humanity. That seems like a good and holy thing to do on Spy Wednesday.
This year has been unique but in a good way has allowed me to go deep into Holy Week.
And Lent Madness is a fun way to learn about lives of our fellow Christians.
Peace and Good Health to All!
It certainly has been, but I agree my involvement in Holy Week is much deeper. The many resources that are out there are making this week a little easier. When we finally get back to normal, I am going to try much harder to be more patient, kind, tolerant and loving. With God’s help I know I will always have a chance.
THANK YOU Lent Madness and the SEC for another great year.
Interesting article. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks, guys, for another great ride! (SECsplaining indeed!) My husband agrees with me that you guys are really funny!
I also give thanks–Lenten Madness helped me get through this trying time.
Thanks for the informative and entertaining Lent Madness for 2020. So many choices. Blessings to you both. Harriet Linville
Time in this Lenten season has passed so strangely and slowly. It has felt like being on an extended retreat without a firm date of completion. The only part that has gone by quickly has been Lent Madness. Thank you, SEC, bloggers, and other contributors. I will miss you until next year.
I have just participated in a zoom version of Tenebrae. Very much there. Thanks SEC. Thanks bloggers. Thanks commentators. Thanks be to God!
Thank you. Thank you Tim and Scott, the writers and those who post hysterical comments and memes. I am a Spanish teacher at a Catholic High School and my third and fourth year students and I have been enjoying Lent Madness for the past two years. Each class has their own bracket which we fill in as we learn the winner of each round. Obviously we are not in school; we have been ‘distance learning’, (I dislike that phrase), for three weeks. Part of their daily assignment is to tell me who they voted for and why. I am happy to say that the students are completing this assignment. Thank you! Feliz Pascua!!
I also participated fully in Tenebrae on my church’s You Tube site. I felt the presence of God as much as ever. He is with us always. Thank you all my friends for letting me share this difficult time with you. Thank you Tim and Scott. God bless us all.
Thanks Tim & Scott and all the writers and participants! Lent Madness has helped pass the time this year and filled the space with knowledge and fun.Thanks be to God!
I agree with all the bloggers and comments on this Lent Madness year 2020. It has filled my mornings with good readings and fun. Thank you to all the staff and the faithful saints you have enriched our lives. It really has been an unforgetable Lenten season. God bless all and stay safe.
Thank you so much for the only normal thing happening at this time. I will miss LM.
Until next year–Blessings
It has been a wonderful journey for me gaining so much knowledge.Blessings for all and Thank You!
Thank you so much for Lent Madness. It is truly a great way to prepare for Easter while learning about saints we may never have heard of.
Thank you….Tim & Scott. This year LM was a special gift. With the restrictions on my life, due to virus protocol ,I found more relaxed time to review and contemplate each entry. A must do each day with very little “must do” activities.