Palm Sunday Gospel Reflection

By Paige Johnson

The Gospel for Palm Sunday begins with Judas asking the Chief Priests, “Hey, what’ll you give me if I hand this Jesus guy over to you to be killed?” It can’t really get much worse than that: Judas is the original bad guy, managing to commit nearly every grave sin at once by betraying God himself. He’s been part of a very close-knit group of friends who have loved, served, and followed the same teacher, and right when the going gets tough, he betrays all of them for some coins. The writer/reader in me wants to know more about why; was it born more of fear or greed? Was it pure self-preservation, or did he actually decide Jesus was not who He said He was? Or: did he just really need the money?

Then of course Peter betrays Jesus, too, and Jesus is taken away to be tortured and crucified.

But the thing that stands out to me in this whole Gospel is that Last Supper, when Jesus says This IS my body, and This IS my blood. These are the lines that made me explore Catholicism at age twenty and eventually decide to break my Presbyterian parents’ hearts and become Catholic– I studied the Hebrew and Greek and Latin translations of those words and discovered that he did not say “This represents my body”, or “Hey, friends, pretend this is my body…” He said “Is,” and meant “Is.” Which meant I had to change my religion.

Reading this Gospel now, I see that even though it seems to be about betrayal and torture and heartbreak and death, it really isn’t. It’s about gifts and hope and forgiveness and life and a father saying, “I’m leaving you with this gift so you don’t miss me too much, you knuckleheads.” You just have to know the story ahead of time and read it with that in mind.

Lord, give us the strength to trust you, and to joyfully look for clues as we wait for the end of the story.

Holy Thursday

First Reading

Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14

“The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month will stand at the head of your calendar; you will reckon it the first month of the year. Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this month every family must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household. If a household is too small for a lamb, it along with its nearest neighbor will procure one, and apportion the lamb’s cost in proportion to the number of persons, according to what each household consumes. Your lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish. You may take it from either the sheep or the goats. You will keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, and then, with the whole community of Israel assembled, it will be slaughtered during the evening twilight. They will take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They will consume its meat that same night, eating it roasted with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This is how you are to eat it: with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand, you will eat it in a hurry. It is the LORD’s Passover. For on this same night I will go through Egypt, striking down every firstborn in the land, human being and beast alike, and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt I, the LORD! But for you the blood will mark the houses where you are. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thereby, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you. This day will be a day of remembrance for you, which your future generations will celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD; you will celebrate it as a statute forever.”

Reflection

By Grattan Brown

Holy Thursday begins in busy-ness and ends waiting in silence.

On this day, the first scripture reading recalls the first Passover. Through Moses and Aaron, God commanded his people to sacrifice their most valuable lambs. Then put blood on the doorposts. Then prepare the Passover meal and eat it following all the rules. And then wait… for God to liberate them from slavery.

On this day, Jesus’s disciples prepared the Passover, celebrated together, heard Jesus’s final teaching, and watched him wash their feet. They followed him to the Garden of Gethsemane, saw him betrayed and arrested, tried to defend him, and fled. Where did they go? Into the silence of hiding. Only Peter tried to follow. His courage failed, and he ended up in tears.

Today, Catholics throughout the world prepare the Holy Thursday Mass and the Triduum. Decorate the altars, prepare the homilies, practice the music, … Then the Holy Thursday Mass unfolds with the rite everyone remembers: the washing of the feet. Then after the Eucharist, the stripping of the altars and procession out of the churches to the altars of repose. The silence of empty churches.

But also, the silence of prayer. Beautiful altars of repose become places to wait in prayer. It is the way God draws us out of our places of hiding and into communion.

Holy Thursday

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 116: 12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18

How can I repay the LORD for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. Dear in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his devoted. LORD, I am your servant, your servant, the child of your maidservant; you have loosed my bonds. I will offer a sacrifice of praise and call on the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

Reflection #1

By Jessica Conner

I am the mother of a four-year-old. As the experience of motherhood is a new, beautiful, and ever-changing thing for me, it is from the perspective of a mother that I often view the world. Psalms 116 evokes the mother in me.

The Psalmist considers the blessings of life and practicing gratitude. I live a beautiful life full of blessings and make a point to regularly consider all of God’s gifts. When praying with my son at night I am modeling prayer; I am helping to develop his relationship with God. I want him to have conversations with God, and a great place to start is in thanks. Our prayers go something like, “God, thank you for all your blessings today, I am thankful for _________.” Our gratitudes range from beautiful weather and a visit to the park, to legos and trucks; which I then extend to opportunities and a prayer for the less fortunate.

The Psalmist of 116 then continues to remind us of God’s love, how our death is important and Dear to Him. Dear because He loves us. God’s love is UNCONDITIONAL. As a parent, this is the kind of love I want my child to know. I want my child to know that no matter what, in any situation, in happiness and sadness, during times of excitement and disappointment, anytime, anywhere - I love him always. God’s love is the same. We work to accept that love, return that love, and strive to be worthy of His love. I never want my son to question my love or to think there are stipulations on it. Much like the deep love God has for us, my love for my son just - is. As recipients of God’s amazing love, we must give praise and thanks.

Dear Lord, the beauty of your great works and blessings are everywhere. For the beautiful morning sunrise, the shining night stars, and all the opportunities presented throughout the glorious day, I offer my thanks and praise. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Reflection #2

By Chris Gilliland

As I read the Psalm and reflect on what it means to me, I asked myself how do I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I feel there are times where we can recite specific passages or full chapters but often do not look at the literal meaning of what has been written. I know I am guilty of that from time to time and force myself to focus on small pieces of the text to grasp the concept or larger meaning.

If we go through the motions and do not reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us, we’ll continue to get very little out of our relationship with our master craftsman. In an era where social media and instant gratification reigns supreme, it is sometimes difficult to focus on what is vitally important to our well-being on Earth and the eternity we hope to spend in Heaven.

What we can be excited about is the love that God has for us is everlasting and we can always trust that He will never put too much on our plate. When we are feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a rut, turning everything over to Him and loosening our anxiety will result in peace.

O God, thank you for giving us your very self and everything else as well. As we reflect upon your gifts with gratitude, help us to make a fitting return to you each day, always keeping our attention on the eternal life of heaven to which you call us. Amen.

Holy Thursday

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 11: 23-26

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Reflection #1

By Molly McGraw

As a child, I was a creature of habit in all facets of my life, especially when it came to prayer. Every Sunday, after receiving the Eucharist, I’d walk back to my seat and fall into my routine: pray for each member of my family and the challenges they were facing that week, pray for each of my friends and thank God for their many qualities that made my life brighter, and pray for my classmates who offered up prayer requests that week.

Then, I’d ask for signs from God signs of His existence, His love for me, His presence in my life. On some days, I’d take the sunbeams illuminating the nave as a sign, and on others, I’d open to a random page in the missal, read the passage my finger landed on, and take it as a sign of what God most needed me to hear that day.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, there are key moments when Christ gives his followers instructions pray this prayer, follow these precepts, love each other in this way. One such moment is during the Last Supper when Christ gives us a clear directive: break bread and drink of this cup “in remembrance” of His ultimate sacrifice for us.

Like the habitual nature of my prayer life, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, at times, can feel like any other routine monotonous and repetitive. But what I didn’t realize when I was nine and what I often forget even today, is that the Eucharist is the greatest sign of God’s steadfast presence in my life. Every Sunday (and on weekdays when I get myself up and ready on time), the bread and wine transforms into the Body and Blood of Christ before my eyes. What a gift far greater than any sunbeam shining through the stained glass.

Dear Lord, today, in a special way, we thank you for the many ways that you reveal yourself to us. Thank you for the people who point us toward you, the events that push us closer to you, and the signs of your love that bring us back to you.

Reflection #2

By Meredith Tombs

I find that it’s often easier to make progress when I know where I am going. I’m able to be more confident in reaching my goals when I have some guidance on how to get there. To be honest, I like a set of rules, regulations, or a road map, because then I know what is expected. I still appreciate a good amount of adventure and creativity, of course, but it’s helpful to know when I’m on the right path.

Well, here it is. We’ve been given guidance on how to live our lives for the Lord - from the Lord. When we partake of his sacrifice, we are renewed on our faith and life journey. When we share in Communion, we proclaim the truth for others. When we listen to the Lord, we can live for the Lord.

Today, we remember the Institution of the Eucharist. Jesus’ sacrifice of the bread and wine this evening foreshadows his corporal sacrifice coming the next day. This is the guidance he left for his disciples and for us.

Heavenly Father - help us to hear your word and to live it with wisdom. We reflect humbly on your sacrifice and ask for the courage to live the lives that you have called us to. With gratitude and hope, we pray - Amen.

Holy Thursday

Gospel Reading

John 13: 1-15

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.” So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.

Reflection

By Nicole DiLorenzo

In the Gospel, Jesus has come to the realization that He will soon meet His Father in Heaven. One of Jesus’s last actions was to wash the feet of His disciples with water and a towel. He brings himself to the feet of His disciples, showing His humility as servant. Jesus takes on the role as a servant demonstrating love for His disciples without expecting anything in return.

As educators, we are called to serve our students with compassion and love without expecting anything in return. In our jobs, we do not always receive the return for the work we put into preparing, teaching, coaching, counseling our students. By nature, it makes us feel good when our work is recognized. When we are not recognized, we often feel unappreciated; however, we need to rise above those feelings. While we may not get credit for the work we do, God is watching, and He knows the good you are doing and He appreciates the kindness and gentleness you exhibit to those around you. Ultimately, we are called to do God’s work with humility and honor and without complaint. If we live a life of serving others, then our final reward will earn eternal life in Heaven.

O Lord Jesus, in order that the merits of your sacrifice on the Cross might be applied to every soul of all time, you willed that it should be renewed upon the altar. At the Last Supper, you said:

"Do this in remembrance of me."

By these words you gave your apostles and their successors the power to consecrate and to the command to do what you yourself did.

I believe that the Mass is both a sacrifice and a memorial- reenacting your passion, death and resurrection.

Help me to realize that the Mass is the greatest gift of God to us and our greatest gift to God.

First Reading

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted. Even as many were amazed at him so marred were his features, beyond that of mortals his appearance, beyond that of human beings So shall he startle many nations, kings shall stand speechless; For those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it. Who would believe what we have heard? To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up like a sapling before him, like a shoot from the parched earth; He had no majestic bearing to catch our eye, no beauty to draw us to him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, knowing pain, like one from whom you turn your face, spurned, and we held him in no esteem. Yet it was our pain that he bore, our sufferings he endured. We thought of him as stricken, struck down by God and afflicted, but he was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, all following our own way; But the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all. Though harshly treated, he submitted and did not open his mouth; Like a lamb led to slaughter or a sheep silent before shearers, he did not open his mouth. Seized and condemned, he was taken away. Who would have thought any more of his destiny? For he was cut off from the land of the living, struck for the sins of his people. He was given a grave among the wicked, a burial place with evildoers, though he had done no wrong, nor was deceit found in his mouth. But it was the LORD’s will to crush him with pain. By making his life as a reparation offering, he shall see his offspring, shall lengthen his days, and the LORD’s will shall be accomplished through him. Because of his anguish he shall see the light; because of his knowledge he shall be content; My servant, the just one, shall justify the many, their iniquity he shall bear. Therefore, I will give him his portion among the many, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death, was counted among the transgressors, Bore the sins of many, and interceded for the transgressors.

Reflection

By Lucy Lu

Today’s reading must have shocked Isaiah’s audience: a Messiah who would suffer and die for our sins. In fact, an Ethiopian eunuch was reading this exact same prophecy, but he didn’t understand who the Suffering Servant was until St. Philip proclaimed Jesus to him (Acts 8: 26-40). Like the Ethiopian eunuch, we need help to discover the true face of Christ within the contours of Isaiah’s fourth Suffering Servant song.

To contemplate the face of Christ in all its depth, we need to recognize that love has a crucified form. First, it is important to affirm that love has an order or form. It is something, not just anything. For example, if one were to claim that being treated poorly was love we would take issue with that, precisely because love does not act like that. We experience many kinds of love, the love of a parent for his child, child for parent, friendship, etc. But what is the form of love that is Christ’s love for us? This love takes on a crucified form of bearing all wrongs, all abuse, and all poverty. The blind Longinus received his sight when he pierced Jesus after His death with a lance (John 19:34). And so it is that the Divine Goodness still does not cease from shedding marks of the Blood of His love upon those who behave so, allowing Himself sometimes to be cruelly wounded, in order that after all they may enter into themselves, repent of their cruelty, and turn to that purest Blood, to heal their souls.

On this Good Friday, let us be healed of our spiritual blindness by Christ’s crucified love and repeat with St. Peter Favre: “O my Lord Jesus Christ, let Thy death be my life, make me learn how to find life in Thy death, let Thy travail be my repose, Thy human weakness my strength, Thy confusion my glory, Thy sadness my joy, and in Thy humiliation let me be exalted. In brief, let all my good lie in the ills which Thou hast suffered, since Thou, O Lord, hast repaired my life, which was on the road to death without any hope of remedy.”

Good Friday

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25

In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me; Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, God of truth. To all my foes I am a thing of scorn, and especially to my neighbors a horror to my friends. When they see me in public, they quickly shy away. I am forgotten, out of mind like the dead; I am like a worn-out tool. But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My destiny is in your hands; rescue me from my enemies, from the hands of my pursuers. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your mercy. Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the LORD.

Reflection

By Jane Hannon

On Good Friday we commemorate the Passion and Death of Jesus, an agony that we will never endure. My first thought upon re-encountering this Psalm, with its vivid references to persecution and suffering, was that I am extremely fortunate to be at Bishop Ireton, in a bright welcoming space inhabited by charitable people. But here in northern Virginia, some of our neighbors have in fact fled life-threatening oppression. And thinking back to my adolescence, well before social media and cyberbullying existed, it is not so hard to imagine feeling, at least transiently, like “a thing of scorn” and “a horror to my friends.” There are undoubtedly those among us experiencing that degree of stigma and self-consciousness. Mellowed by age and writing in this time of year, the reference to oneself as “a worn-out tool” resonates most with me.

Regardless of the nature of our suffering, this Psalm reminds us that the Lord is “my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me.” Here and now, we might long for a cozy hearth or a peaceful, restorative vacation spot. The deliverance that God promises us, however, is more challenging than that. It is not an invitation to cower or roost: “Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord.”

Lord God, like Jesus, I pray, “Into Your hands I commend my spirit.” Thank you for always being my refuge. Through Your guidance, help me also to provide refuge for those in need. Amen.

Good Friday

Second Reading

Hebrews 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

Reflection

By Jon Pressimone

Mercy. There have been many times in my life when I have been in dire need of mercy. In kindergarten, I shoved my sister and she fell into a thorn bush. I talked back to my mom. I forgot about promises I made to close friends. I have hurt my relationships, and it is only by the mercy of those I hurt that I was able to heal.

The mercy of Christ comes from a place of experience. He knows the difficulty we face in “walking the narrow path,” because he had to walk it himself. He faced temptations and he resisted them all. Jesus had an incredibly human experience, and St. Paul reminds us that due to this experience the salvation he offers is based upon his unending mercy.

When Jesus was alive, he cried out to God to ask for aid, to save him from death, to offer his prayers. We should model ourselves after this. We are all in need of mercy, so let us cry out. Let us turn to the God of love and mercy. On this Good Friday, as we remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, let us remember the price he paid to give us that mercy for all time. “Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”

Lord, in the times when I am weak, please grant me your strength. In the times when I am tired, please grant me your endurance. In the times when I am tempted, please grant me your perseverance. And when I am fall and sin, please grant me your unending mercy. Amen

Good Friday

Gospel Reading

John 18: 1 – 19: 42

When he had said this, Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. Judas his betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.” He said to them, “I AM.” Judas his betrayer was also with them. When he said to them, “I AM,” they turned away and fell to the ground. So he again asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I AM. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill what he had said, “I have not lost any of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?”

So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him, and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus. But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in. Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.

The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his doctrine. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue or in the temple area where all the Jews gather, and in secret I have said nothing. Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. They know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.

Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was morning. And they themselves did not enter the praetorium, in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and said, “What charge do you bring [against] this man?” They answered and said to him, “If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” At this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” The Jews answered him, “We do not have the right to execute anyone,” in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled that he said indicating the kind of death he would die. So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants [would] be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover. Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this one but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly. Once more Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!” When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid, and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him. So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?” Jesus answered [him], “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!”

Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.” Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,” in order that the passage of scripture might be fulfilled [that says]: “They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.” This is what the soldiers did. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may [come to] believe. For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of it will be broken.” And again another passage says: “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body. Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.

Reflection

By Joseph Jacobeen

I love a garden in springtime. The warm weather, flower trees and bushes, and daffodils poking up from the grey ground. This beautiful, hopeful season seems strangely juxtaposed to the cruel crucifixion of Jesus, which we remember on this day.

Jesus apparently liked gardens, too. He regularly met with his disciples in Gethsemane. I imagine the many deep conversations and moments of companionship Our Lord spent there with his friends. Gethsemane should remind us of Eden, the first garden, where God walked with Adam and Eve in the peaceful, cool of the day. These gardens represent communion with God.

But Eden, and Gethsemane, too, became places of broken trust. In Eden, the deceiver tricked Adam and Eve into self-reliance, and they forsook their love for God. God sought for them, yet they hid in their nakedness and fear. In Gethsemane, the betrayer comes to reject Jesus with a deceptive kiss, and his disciples flee in fear.

The Garden becomes the place of “the Fall”. Communion and peace are destroyed.

After God is utterly rejected and killed on the cross, the Gospel of John gives a subtle, but hopeful sign: “Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb.” Despite all our previous betrayal, God still wants to walk with us in the garden again! When it seems like we have killed and buried God, maybe God is planting a seed, which, after a brief winter, will burst forth into a new garden.

Even in the face of my own countless rejections of God, I have hope that He wants to create a new springtime within me. As one of my favorite songs by Matt Maher goes, “...you walk with me. You’ll never leave. You’re making my heart a garden.”

Prayer:

Jesus, despite my faithlessness, please allow me to be at peace with you. Thank you for your mercy. Create a clean heart, and new garden, in me.

Easter Sunday

First Reading Acts 10: 34a, 37-43

Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. What has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and (in) Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised (on) the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Reflection

By Tim Guy

This passage recalls the beginning. John’s account of creation opens with “In the beginning was the Word.” While that account recounts the beginning of creation, Peter’s sermon recounts the beginning of our salvation. Peter testifies to Jesus’ good works, crucifixion and the resurrection as he preaches to Cornelius and the relatives and close friends that he had gathered to hear Peter. Peter recounts “what happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached.”

It seems to me that there is another beginning, founded in the visions that preceded Peter’s travel to Caesarea. Peter is also going through something here and had visions which he struggled to make sense of until he arrived at this gathering and proclaims, “I see that God shows no partiality.” This epiphany is very likely a disruption for Peter (and the others who accompanied him), and he had already commented on the unlawfulness of the association of those who were gathered “but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean.” Peter fully embraces and proclaims the beginning of the catholic (small “c”, all-embracing) nature of the church and that disregarding existing national, cultural, or racial limitations, “everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” For Cornelius and the others gathered, this was a beginning in that salvation was revealed.

Easter is a beginning for us all as a celebration of our salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Blessed are you, O Mary, silent witness of Easter! You, O Mother of the Crucified One now risen, who at the hour of pain and death kept the flame of hope burning, teach us also to be, amongst the incongruities of passing time, convinced and joyful witnesses of the eternal message of life and love brought to the world by the Risen Redeemer. - Pope John Paul II, 2004

Easter Sunday

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his mercy endures forever. Let Israel say: his mercy endures forever. the LORD’s right hand is raised; the LORD’s right hand works valiantly.” I shall not die but live and declare the deeds of the LORD. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.

Reflection

By Rosie Driscoll

In this semester’s Introduction to Creative Writing class, we started with the concept of attention, grounded in a short poem by Mary Oliver:

Instructions for Living a Life

Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.

We start – and often return – to this poem because powerful writing begins with attention, a word rooted in the late 14th century French attencioun: “a giving heed; the active direction of the mind upon some object or topic.” In the title of her poem, Oliver reminds us that to pay attention – to actively direct our minds (and hearts) - to our world full of wonder (be astonished!) is essential not just for good writing, but for good living.

Today’s Psalm directs our attention to the miracle of this day – Easter Sunday! – for which we rejoice and are glad, for His mercy endures forever. His mercy gives us new life in Christ’s resurrection, and new life here on earth to declare His deeds.

Pay attention! His mercy endures forever, Be astonished! I shall not die but live… Tell about it! and declare the deeds of the Lord.

We give thanks for God’s mercy by declaring the resurrection of Jesus in our words and, most importantly, in our deeds. It is He who gives us the ultimate Instructions for Living a Life. Let us rejoice and be glad!

Easter Wings

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store, Though foolishly he lost the same, Decaying more and more, Till he became Most poore: With thee O let me rise As larks, harmoniously, And sing this day thy victories: Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did beginne And still with sicknesses and shame. Thou didst so punish sinne, That I became Most thinne. With thee Let me combine, And feel thy victorie: For, if I imp my wing on thine, Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

Easter Sunday

Second Reading

Colossians 3: 1-4

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

Reflection

By Michael Rauer

Are we too much concerned with what others think of us?

Are we too much focused on the type of automobile we have when we see the cars of others?

Do we look critically at the clothing of others and wish that we were better dressed?

Do we spend too much time on social media trying to supplement our lives through the prosperity of others?

We must remind ourselves that we too want to rise up to Our Blessed Lord in our lives as he reminds us with His own Resurrection at Easter.

The things of this life are only temporary and will pass much sooner than we are inclined to think.

We need to focus on what is to come, not on what is here in our presence.

For the people of Colossae, it was important that they heard to true words of St. Paul as he worked to counteract the false teachings of others.

In our present lives we are seeing a rise of false teachings that say there is no God, that abortion is acceptable, that people can change their biological sex.

While these false teachings of today’s world were not heard 1900 years ago, they still carry the same false narrative.

We must remember that we should persevere in our quest for the truth and holiness. That alone comes from Our Blessed Lord and his message to us.

With His Easter Resurrection, He reminds us to focus on what is to come, and not to be dissuaded by the false teachings of this life.

Easter Sunday

Gospel Reading

John 20: 1-9

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

Reflection

By Gina Garcia

The suffering is over, and we rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection! It begins with Mary Magdalene’s arrival to the tomb. Convinced that someone has taken Jesus’s earthly body, she runs to tell the apostles. It is their reaction that reveals to us that they did not fully understand what the resurrection was all about either. We believe by faith that the resurrection gives meaning to all suffering and reassures us that when we die, our earthly life is over but that there is a new life ahead. In fact, it is Jesus’ suffering that gives meaning to our suffering, and just as we can unite our trials and tribulations to the cross that Jesus carried for us and for our sins, we can also understand the resurrection of our Lord and Savior as a means to understand that we too will share in an eternal life. At the end of the Gospel, we understand that John through faith has himself begun to understand what has happened. It is our faith in the resurrection that makes sense of our life on earth and gives us hope for eternal salvation. If not for this faith, what purpose would our earthly life have? It is on Easter Sunday, the very day of Christ’s rising from the dead that we understand the point of our existence. It is Easter Sunday that is the essence of our hope and our faith! Alleluia, Alleluia.

O God, through the resurrection of your Son, you brought light and joy to a fallen world. Help us to believe in the power of His resurrection and to live that Easter joy every day of our lives. Amen.