Holy Thursday, it's almost Easter!

In the old days, yesterday was known as "Spy Wednesday," marking the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot. It is also the last day of Lent (followed by the three Paschal days before Easter). Judas's role in Christ's plan is now being reconsidered with the publication of the Gospel of Judas in National Geographic. A "gnostic" gospel, discovered in Egypt in the 1970's, it was eventually restored and authenticated by National Geographic in partnership with the Maecenas Foundation.

The Baptist Press gnotes the Gnosticism in Jesus telling Judas Iscariot, “Come, that I may teach you about secrets no person has ever seen.” The document also suggests that Judas’ betrayal of Jesus came at the request of Jesus Himself. The entire document is available on the National Geographic website.

The president of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago is quoted in the New York Times is "just glad it wasn't found in a bank vault in the Vatican." Ha ha. A little DaVinci Code humor for ya, Bloggy.

I was surprised to learn the authors of the 1982 book, Holy Blood, Holy Grail recently lost their copyright infringement lawsuit against Random House. The plaintiffs contended that Code author Dan Brown . . . lifted much of its conspiratorial "architecture" from their book. (Which he did! But not enough, the judge concluded.)

Today is also known as Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and is the oldest of the observances peculiar to Holy Week.

Speaking of bread, have you tried the "Pick Two" option of Panera's menu? But don't even think about having lunch at Murphy's today. When it reopens, it will specialize in Italian food, under new management.