Daily Scripture

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Scripture:

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42

Reflection:

Here at our beautiful St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center we are privileged to have an amazing and bigger than life portrayal of Jesus Christ Crucified.  This powerful image is placed directly above the tabernacle and captures the immediate attention of all who enter our Chapel.

What makes this particular crucifix so compelling, in fact, is that it is inspired by the Limpias Crucifix, located in the 16th century Church of St. Peter in Santander, Spain, not far from the popular alleged apparitions of the Blessed Mother in Garabandal.  Even more unique is that, in this crucifix, the eyes of our Savior are open, no wound in the side, indicating that Jesus is in the final moments of pouring out his life for us all.

Why is this so special, not only to our worldwide Passionist family, but for all Christian men and women everywhere?  This crucifix brings to life two very important dimensions of what we so devotedly refer to as the “memoria passionis,” or the “memory of the Passion.”  In our prayer, as well as in our ministry, we Passionists, by a special fourth vow, promise to remember every single day both the historical moment when Jesus was crucified on Calvary, and, with just as much energy and zeal, we choose to be very mindful all those who are the crucified ones in our world, in our cities, and on our streets.

And who are the crucified of today?  How can we not think of all those innocent men, women, children, and infants in the Ukraine whose lives are being eradicated as if they are nothing more than mere rubble!  We are ever mindful of the thousands of people all around the world who are discriminated against because of race, color, religious beliefs, and gender.  In our own land we cannot overlook the shocking number of men and women, young and old, who are increasingly joining the ranks of living and deceased casualties of the often-overlooked opioid crisis.  And I am also inclined, in a personal way, to think of women and children who are abused in dysfunctional, loveless homes, as well as those who are alone in their final hours of life with no one to comfort them.

On this Good Friday, dear friends, as we meditate in deeply heartfelt ways on the sacred Passion of Jesus Christ, let’s not forget to also think of those who are also crucified with him in our world today.  May the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.

Fr. Pat Brennan, C.P. is the director of Saint Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center, Detroit, Michigan.

Holy Thursday

Scripture:

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-15

Reflection:

Jesus was perfect, absolute, wholehearted and undefiled love for us from beginning to end. And he still is. This is what these three holiest days of the Church Year reveal. Together, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil testify that without a doubt, Jesus is love for us.

On the last night of his life, a night on which he would be betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by the other disciples, Jesus did what he always did—he chose to love. On the eve of the day when his body would be bruised, bloodied, and broken unto death, Jesus gave his body to us so that death could never rob us of life.

In the reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul recalls the words Jesus uttered at the Last Supper, words we hear at every Eucharist: “This is my body that is for you.” In every Eucharist, Jesus keeps giving himself to us that we might live, giving himself so that we who are forever being wounded, diminished, and impaired by our own and others’ sinfulness, will not be denied the life and love God has always wanted for us. In every Eucharist, Jesus, who was handed over by each of us in our sinfulness to be put to death, gives himself back to us so that we might live.

The gospel for today recounts the unforgettable scene where Jesus, who knows what lies ahead for him, rather than collapsing in fear or drowning in sorrow, washes the feet of his disciples, including the feet of Judas who will soon betray him and Peter who will deny ever knowing him, an act that witnesses that then, just as now, no one is left outside the infinitely expanding circle of God’s love, a God who serves, who bows down before us, and whose love stops at nothing so that we might live.

Jesus tells the disciples, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Why? Because when we give of ourselves so that others might live, we participate in and further the very love that saves us, the love that stops at nothing so that we might live. If anyone ever asks you what it means to be a Christian, start here.

Paul J. Wadell is Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and a member of the Passionist Family of Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 26:14-25

Reflection:

Triduum begins tomorrow evening.  Today is the culmination of our Lenten journey as we stand at the threshold between what has been this Lenten experience and what is about to come in the next four days.  I look back at the liturgical readings for this season and am reminded of the gospel texts informing us, the reader, of numerous people who were against Jesus.   It is one thing to have someone on the outside against you.  Today, the net surrounding Jesus tightens even more.  Things get tough, for now someone in Jesus’ inner circle plots to betray him.

Have you ever been betrayed?  Think of the pain of that betrayal and prayerfully share it with the Lord as you read today’s Gospel and the actions and attitude of Judas.  As you pray through it, is the wound still tender?  Where are you in the process of forgiveness?   Betrayal paralyzes you.  It feels like a knife has pierced you through the heart and most painful it is from someone you confided, cared about, entrusted part of who you are.  When your enemy is outside your circle, its common to keep your defenses up.    However, when it comes from inside your circle, your defenses are down and the knife cuts deeper.  And what does Jesus do?  He doesn’t condemn him, nor does he exclude him from the celebration at the table.

In some ways Judas’ actions make sense.  In Judas’ eyes, Jesus hasn’t restored Israel to it’s glory days. He hasn’t fulfilled any of his responsibilities as Messiah.  He hasn’t reclaimed the temple. What has Jesus done?  To Judas, Jesus’ actions fall short.  Judas hears Jesus talking a good talk but there is not the action that Judas would like to see.  Remember, Judas was a Zealot.    Zealots were men of action.  They had no problem murdering Roman Centurions or anyone who kept them from living the way they believed God was asking them to live.   They saw their purpose to cleanse Israel of this blight.   In Judas’ eyes, Jesus wasn’t doing that.  He hears Jesus talking about his kingdom and his new world order but it is not transpiring his way.    Where is the action Jesus?  Judas wasn’t against the good things Jesus did.  But in Judas’ eyes, Jesus didn’t fulfill the task of Messiah.  He fell short.  Therefore Judas decided he isn’t really the Anointed One whom Israel had been awaiting, and Judas sells him out.   

It is not much different than our world today.  As divided as we are, so much of our division is about differences in expectations.  What we expect our leaders to be, politicians to be, our family to be and even our church to be….. And when it doesn’t fill our expectations what do we do?   Are we really that much different than Judas?  It is easy stay on board when everything is going well and it is easy to sell out when things begin to seem like they are falling apart.  This week is most challenging.  Holy Week asks us, how do you stay the course when things are falling apart and you think Jesus is the answer?  And in the midst of this call to be disciples of integrity, we watch him succumb to the forces in the universe who seemingly gang up against him. Here is the hero of the Gospels being led to the cross.   If anything, this week is a story about expectations and how do we respond when it seems like something has come unwired in the cosmic universe? 

Judas saw the gift that was before him in the person of Jesus.  Sadly he chose to monetize the gift, an act he later deeply regretted.  

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is the Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province. He resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Scripture:

Isaiah 49:1-6
John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reflection:

You gotta love Peter! What you see is what you get with this man.

We are in the throes of Holy Week. We begin the week with “Hosana,” move to “Crucify him,” and finally end with “Alleluia.” We rightfully follow the journey of Jesus through this week, but let’s not forget those who accompanied him through these confounding events. So, back to Simon Peter.

The scene is the Last Supper in the upper room, the cenacle. It is an intense scene with the Beloved Disciple resting his head on Jesus, Judas’ betrayal, and then this exchange in today’s gospel.

My children, I will be with you only a little while longer…

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?”

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.”

Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

Simon Peter is so brave to declare his unwavering commitment to God, as we all hope we would. But I cannot help but look around and see time and again the ways in which we waffle, just as Peter will do. We choose to lay down our lives for our job, our political party, our country, our friends. There is nothing wrong with making a commitment to any of these. The problem begins when they displace our commitment to live the gospel by caring for the poor, welcoming the stranger, forgiving our enemies, judging not, and loving one another. We’re likely to get that stare from Jesus that says, “Really? You’ll lay down your life for me and the message of love I preach?”

Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.

Scripture:

Isaiah 42:1-7
John 12:1-11

Reflection:

The gospel story feels like Act II of a riveting play. The formerly dead Lazarus is very much alive, dining with Jesus and his family. His sister Mary lovingly anoints Jesus’ feet. Even Judas is present, complaining about the cost of the oil. He missed its deeper meaning.

For three years, Jesus connected with everyone, rich and poor alike. He challenged powerful, hypocritical religious leaders and found real joy hanging with humble fishermen.

The crucifixion was a brutal reality, so his choosing expensive oils for burial had to surprise a few people. On those same lines, Joseph of Arimathea, a devoted follower, later offered his own costly tomb. In our time, especially now that inexpensive cremation has become so common, the gift of a family burial plot would still be huge.

My family has a few hundred square yards of lawn in a southwestern Pennsylvania cemetery. About 80 years ago, a non-family member was given a single plot. The tombstone reads, “To Henry Smith, Daniel McQuain’s Best Friend.” Henry must have been quite a guy.

I find comfort in Mass readings, like today’s, that reflect our earthly reality. Utopia doesn’t exist; wealth and poverty are constant companions. Good and evil, cruelty and kindness are always near. But we can clearly see that choosing Jesus’ way offers strength and joy through life’s struggles. Though our time on earth is finite, we know how to build strength for confronting suffering well on earth and legitimately hope for a smile on our faces when we get to knock at heaven’s gate.

Jack Dermody is President of Share Our Gifts, Inc., a Passionist alumni organization dedicated to assist those who live in poverty; he is also editor of CrossRoads, the Passionist Alumni Association’s newsletter.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Scripture:

Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 22:14-23:56 or 23:1-49

Reflection:

On this Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, the Gospel of Saint Luke proclaimed. Several elements unique to Luke demonstrate his distinctive style of presenting Jesus as Messiah—God’s anointed. Jesus is the one who has come to bring glad tidings, proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed (4:16-21) frames the narrative throughout the Gospel.

Jesus’ role as teacher and prophet is highlighted by adding a farewell discourse to the Passover meal—instructing his apostles on what to expect when he is no longer with them. One might say that this Gospel sheds the apostles in a kinder light. For example, following Peter’s declaration never to abandon him, Jesus responds with, “You will deny three times that you know me” (Lk 22:34), not an outright declaration of denial of Jesus (Mk 14:30).

He doesn’t need his disciples to keep him company or pray with him on the Mount of Olives, he suggests they pray for themselves, addressing them only once as they slept. Although Luke is keen to portray Jesus’ very real anxiety as he “sweats drops as if blood” (v.44) in coming to accept his impending betrayal and suffering. Absent from the other synoptics Luke has Jesus make eye contact with Peter following Peter’s denial of him. There seems to be no sense of condemnation in the exchange.

Jesus forgives his executioners from the cross even as they mock him, but to the criminal who responded in faith, he promised a place in paradise. Absent from the cross is any frantic cry of desolation like “My God, why have you forsaken me” (Mk 15:35-37; Matt27:46-49). Jesus’ last words are “Into your hands, I commend my spirit” (Ps 30:6). While this Psalm portrays equally the rejection of the righteous one by enemies, it offers a quiet confidence in God’s saving power ending with, “have courage and let your hearts take strength, all you who hope in the Lord” (Ps 30:25).

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah and the second reading from Philippians blend beautifully with Luke’s Passion narrative. Commonly known as the third servant song, Isaiah details the Lord’s commissioning in preparing the prophet to “speak to the weary a word that will rouse them” (50:4). This was Jesus’ prophetic message—his training—his mission. However, Jesus was no ordinary prophet, he was the Son of God. The early Christians struggled to find words to express this incredible distinction. Reflecting the desire to create a fitting language, the text in Philippians is believed to be an old hymn sung at liturgies in praise of Jesus Christ.

In Luke’s passion narrative, Jesus’ actions are the primary focus. The reader’s attention is not as distracted by betrayals, denials, or political-religious manipulations. While Luke doesn’t deny the presence of those elements, Jesus’ actions are elevated in such a way that the rest fades into the background. Luke’s Jesus died as he lived. He accomplished what he came to fulfill.

May we enter into Holy Week filled with gratitude for the unspeakable gift of Jesus our Savior, finding hope and strength for our times. May peace reign in our hearts. Amen.

Jean Bowler is a member of the Ministry Team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.

Scripture:

Ezekiel 37:21-28
John 11:45-56

Reflection:

Today’s readings, woven together on this final day before Holy Week, portray a compelling portrait of our salvation history as a people of God. 

In the first reading from the Book of Ezekiel, God gathers his people (us) together as one “to bring them back to their land” (Heaven).  He proclaims that he will “make them one nation upon the land”.  “There shall be one prince (Jesus) for them all.  “Never again shall they be divided into two kingdoms” (good and evil).  He will “cleanse them so that they may be his people, and he may be their God”.  God appoints his servant David as the temporal prince and shepherd of his people.  However, 1,000 years later, Jesus will supersede David as the eternal Prince of Peace.  God goes on to proclaim that his people will live on this land forever.  That will include not only current generations but also their children and their children’s children forever…. Therefore, ultimately all nations and all peoples of the earth, even those yet to be born for the rest of time.  God says that he will multiply them and put his sanctuary among them forever.  He will make an everlasting covenant with his people through his son.  His sanctuary shall be set among us forever.

In John’s Gospel reading the anticipation of the imminent arrest, torture and death of this Prince of Peace and Shepherd of God’s people is real.  Some of the Jews had gone to the Pharisees to tell them what Jesus had done.  This presents a dilemma for the Jewish hierarchy.  “This man is performing many signs.  If we leave him alone, all will believe in him and the Romans will come and take both our land and our nation.  However, from the first reading we know that no one can take the land from God’s chosen people.  God’s sanctuary has been set up among us forever. 

Caiaphas, the high priest, becomes instrumental in salvation history.  He chastises his own people: “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.”  The gospel proclaims that Caiaphas himself “prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.”  Isn’t that precisely what God had promised in the first reading.  Caiaphas could not have known how impactful his own words were.  “So, from that day on they planned to kill him.”  The wheels had been set in motion.   Jesus was going to come to Jerusalem for his final feast to offer himself up on a cross to fulfill what his father had proclaimed 1,000 years previously.  Still there were skeptics among the people: “They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”.   How could he not come to the feast?  It was, after all, his own feast that had been set in motion from the beginning of time. He was going to give up his life for the salvation of his people.

One week from today we will again be mourning and simultaneously celebrating the death of this Prince of Peace, the eternal Shepherd of God’s people.  He has come to fulfill the promise that his father had given to the Israelites 1,000 years before his birth.  In his final moments on the cross, Jesus expresses his own sentiment: “It is finished”.  By his own passion and death he has fulfilled that promise that his father had made to all of us so many centuries ago.  Thank you, Jesus.

Have a blessed Holy Week.  May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.

Bill Berger has had a lifelong relationship with the Passionist Family.  Bill and his wife, Linda, are currently leaders of the Community of Passionist Partners (CPPs) in Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

Jeremiah 20:10-13
John 10:31-42

Reflection:

“The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?’”

This was Jesus’ response to their charge of blasphemy against him, that he is making himself God. Christ pointed to his works as the basis for faith in him as the Son. “Even if you do not believe me,” Jesus told his opponents, “believe the works…”

Furthermore, Jesus continued, it is God who has consecrated him as God’s son. His mention of consecration revealed the relationship between Jesus and the Feast of Dedication, which the people were celebrating.

The “rededication” was an eight-day festival commemorating Jewish independence under Judas Maccabaeus from Roman rule and the consecration of the temple in Jerusalem in 164 B.C.

As the incarnate word, echoing the prologue in John’s gospel, whose body is the “temple,” Jesus is the one consecrated by the Father.

Nevertheless, instead of pressing the claim that “I and the Father are one,” Jesus pointed to his works.

Actions speak louder than words, Jesus was telling them. Jesus urged his opponents to believe his works, which bear witness to who he is. But they remained blind in their stubbornness.

In the case of Jesus, however, his actions as well as his words should have revealed his true character to them. Why? Because the actions of Jesus clearly aligned with his words.

Together, they should build trust and demonstrate reliability in Jesus.

Even so, Jesus emphasized his works. Works are always more powerful than words.

Words may convince the mind but works move the will to action.

Jesus continues to do the work of the Father today in us, Christ’s mystical body, as we serve one another as we build up the Body of Christ.

We see the work of Christ revealed to us most powerfully in the Eucharist. There, in the breaking of the bread, Christ gives us the grace to make our works match what we profess to believe.

Deacon Manuel Valencia is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.