Sunday: PASSION SUNDAY (PALM SUNDAY) Date: April 4, 2004 Year: C The readings: [Lk. 19:28-40; Is. 50:4-7; Phil. 2:6-11; Lk. 22:14-23:56] The message: God highly exalted Jesus. Prepared by: THE CATHOLIC DOORS MINISTRY Total words: 710 |
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** The readings follow the sermon.The readings...Welcome my brothers and sisters in Christ to today's celebration of Passion Sunday. Based on the lengthy readings that you have just heard, I am sure that you have all concluded that this celebration commemorates the last week of Jesus' life on earth.
During the First Reading from the Gospel of Luke, we heard of the entry of Jesus in Jerusalem on a colt. During this event, His disciples appeared to recognize the Divine Person of Jesus as their King. So important was this event that when the Pharisees asked Jesus to order His disciples to stop saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!", Jesus responded by saying that if His disciples were silent, "the stones would shout out." This is one event that would not go by unnoticed.
As we have heard during another reading, while Jesus was proclaimed as the King of the people during His entry into Jerusalem, on the following Friday, the people, including some who had formerly followed Him, were shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" Why the sudden change of heart? It was because the people who were waiting for the promised Messiah and the coming Kingdom of God, were expecting a worldly kingdom. They were tired of the Romans who were ruling over them. They wanted Jesus as their King to lead them to war against the Roman Empire in order to end their dominion. The people had failed to perceive in the teachings of Jesus that His Kingdom was not of this world. It was not a physical Kingdom then, nor is it one now, nor will be it be physical Kingdom in the future. So who believe so are deceived!
Consequently, as we have heard, the people crucified Jesus. Maybe they were all counting on a false hope. Maybe some of them thought that at the last minute, the angels would descend from Heaven, save Jesus from the crucifixion, and overcome the Roman authority. As we have heard, none of this happened. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, He who was without sin, died for the sins of the world.
Today's reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians tells us that, Jesus "though he was in the form of God, (He) did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." [Phil. 2:6- 8]
In Jesus, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell bodily. [Col. 1:19, 2:9] In Jesus dwelled the fullness of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Had the people perceived this mystery, surely, they would not have crucified the Lord Jesus. Nor would Satan have influenced the people to murder Jesus, an innocent Man. For Satan would have perceived that the death of Jesus would become a victory whereas Christ Jesus would regain His kingdom that Satan had conquered through the sin of Adam.
Through the deception of Satan, death came upon the world. Through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God, life came upon the world.
Therefore God highly exalted Jesus and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." [Phil. 2:9-11]
This week, let us reflect upon the mystery of the Passion of Jesus, our King, as we prepare ourselves to commemorate His glorious Resurrection. Let us remember that Jesus died for our sins, your sins, my sins. Let us be most thankful to the Lord Jesus in thoughts, in words and in actions. And may the Spirit of Jesus be with us during the coming week as we relive the last few days in the life of Jesus on earth. This is a perfect opportunity for us to learn about Divine love so we too may grow in the love of Jesus by the grace of the Heavenly Father.
[Several readers may proclaim the passion narrative today. (N) indicates the narrator, (J) the words of Jesus, and (S) the words of other speakers.]"Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, 'Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.''
So those who were sent departed and found it as Jesus had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, 'Why are you untying the colt?' They said, 'The Lord needs it.'
Then they brought the colt to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.
As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully, and with a loud voice, for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!'
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, 'Teacher, order your disciples to stop.'
Jesus answered, 'I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.'" [Lk. 19:28-40]"The servant of the Lord said: 'The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens - wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.
I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." [Is. 50:4-7]
"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ
Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard
equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied
himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is
above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knew should
bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father." [Phil. 2:6-11]
(N) The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Luke.
When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table, and the
apostles with him. He said to them,
(J) "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I
suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in
the kingdom of God."
(N) Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said,
(J) "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that
from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the
kingdom of God comes."
(N) Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he
broke it and gave it to them, saying,
(J) "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in
remembrance of me."
(N) And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying,
(J) "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my
blood.
But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the
table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but
woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!"
(N) Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could
be who would do this. A dispute also arose among them as to which
one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to
them,
(J) "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in
authority over them are called benefactors.
But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like
the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is
greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it
not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who
serves.
"You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on
you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you
may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on
thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
"Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like
wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail;
and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your
brothers."
(N) And Peter said to Jesus,
(S1) "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!"
(N) Jesus said,
(J) "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you
have denied three times that you know me."
(N) Then Jesus said to the disciples,
(J)When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you
lack anything?"
(S1) "No, not a thing."
(J) "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a
bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.
For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, "And he was
counted among the lawless'; and indeed what is written about me is
being fulfilled."
(S1) "Lord, look, here are two swords."
(J) "It is enough."
At this point, all may join in singing an
appropriate acclamation.
(N) Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of
Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place,
he said to his disciples,
(J) "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial."
(N) Then Jesus withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt
down, and prayed,
(J) "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not
my will but yours be done."
(N) Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him
strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat
became like great drops of blood falling down on the
ground.
When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them
sleeping because of grief, and he said to them,
(J) "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come
into the time of trial."
(N) While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one
called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached
Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him,
(J) "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of
Man?"
(N) When those who were around him saw what was coming, they
asked,
(S1) "Lord, should we strike with the sword?"
(N) Then one of the disciples struck the slave of the high priest
and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said,
(J) "No more of this!"
(N) And Jesus touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to
the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the
elders who had come for him,
(J) "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit?
When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay
hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of
darkness!"
(N) Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the
high priest's house. But Peter was following at a distance. When
they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down
together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in
the firelight, stared at him and said,
(S3) "This man also was with him."
(N) But Peter denied it, saying,
(S1) "Woman, I do not know him."
(N) A little later someone else, on seeing him, said,
(S3) "You also are one of them."
(N) But Peter said,
(S1) "Man, I am not!"
(N) Then about an hour later still another kept insisting,
(S3) "Surely this man also was with him; for he is a
Galilean."
(N) But Peter said,
(S1) "Man, I do not know what you are talking about!"
(N) At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.
The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word
of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the cock crows today,
you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept
bitterly.
Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him;
they also blindfolded him and kept asking him,
(S2) "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?"
(N) They kept heaping many other insults on him.
THE SHORTER VERSION BEGINS HERE.
(N) When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both
chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him
to their council. They said,
(S2) "If you are the Messiah, tell us."
(J) "If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you,
you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated
at the right hand of the power of God."
(N) All of them asked,
(S2) "Are you, then, the Son of God?"
(J) "You say that I am."
(S2) "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves
from his own lips!"
At this point all may join in singing an appropriate
acclamation.
(N) Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus F185 before
Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying,
(S2) "We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay
taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a
king."
(N) Then Pilate asked Jesus,
(S3) "Are you the king of the Jews?"
(J) "You say so."
(N) Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds,
(S3) "I find no basis for an accusation against this man."
(N) But they were insistent and said,
(S2) "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from
Galilee where he began even to this place."
(N) When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a
Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod's
jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in
Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to
see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was
hoping to see him perform some sign.
He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer.
The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing
him.
Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked
him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to
Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each
other; before this they had been enemies.
Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the
people, and said to them,
(S3) "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people;
and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found
this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has
Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to
deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release
him."
(N) Now Pilate was obliged to release someone for them at the
festival. Then they all shouted out together,
(S2) "Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!"
(N) This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection
that had taken place in the city, and for murder.
Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they
kept shouting,
(S2) "Crucify, crucify him!"
(N) A third time he said to them,
(S3) "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for
the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then
release him."
(N) But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he
should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave
his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the
man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for
insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they
wished.
As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was
coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made
him carry it behind Jesus.
A great number of the people followed him, and among them were
women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But
Jesus turned to them and said,
(J) "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for
yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming
when they will say, "Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that
never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will
begin to say to the mountains, "Fall on us'; and to the hills,
"Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will
happen when it is dry?"
At this point all may join in singing an appropriate
acclamation.
(N) Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to
death with him. When they came to the place that is called The
Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his
right and one on his left. Then Jesus said,
(J) "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are
doing."
(N) And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people
stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying,
(S2) "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of
God, his chosen one!"
(N) The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour
wine, and saying,
(S3) "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"
(N) There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of
the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged there kept
deriding him and saying,
(S2) "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"
(N) But the other rebuked him, saying,
(S3) "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of
condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are
getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done
nothing wrong."
(N) Then he said,
(S3) "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
(J) "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in
Paradise."
(N) It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land
until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the
curtain of the temple was torn in two.
Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said,
(J) "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
(N) Having said this, he breathed his last.
All may kneel or stand for a period of silence.(N) When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said,