Who knew Saint Monica liked to throw around the F-bomb?

Well, she does…and with relish in “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” playing now through April 27th (click here for more info) on the Fullerton Stage at DePaul’s Theatre School in Lincoln Park.

If you’re fortunate enough to take in this show (and I recommend you do) don’t let one saint’s hip hop swagger or the irreverent, edgy vibe from the cast of colorful characters distract you from grappling with the question lodged at this courtroom drama’s core: is Judas Iscariot in hell for betraying Jesus Christ?

And, while you’re at it, try not to let the dazzling performances and sneaky-smart theology side-track you from at least nibbling around the corners of the BIGGEST of all questions pulsing throughout this play:

What role does CHOICE play in our lives?

What happens to us when we die?

Where, if at all, is God?

Two-plus hours of lively theatre aside, we’ve all gotta figure these questions out for ourselves – or, in some cases, subscribe to a tradition or philosophy that provides the answers for us.  For the record – I think the wisest answers come from some combination of these two methods.   But, with a nod towards “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” here’s where I’ll leave it (at least for now!):

I think God is everywhere…loving us and always inviting us into deeper relationship.  I think we make mistakes (dare I say that’s part of the Divine plan?).  We try not to dwell on or get stuck in the mistakes but, instead, to learn and grow from them.  And, I hope…maybe I’m even convinced…that when we breathe our last we’ll go to where our heart most desires to go…to a place of life and love and joy.

…What do you think?

Tom Judge is a Chaplain at the DePaul Loop Campus.  Feel free to leave comments in response to his post at the bottom of the page.