Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
Each of us is drawn into the story of the Passion, particularly if the 3 parish lectors present it with clarity and realism in their voices. I believe this narrative does this like no other, because the Jesus story is ours as well. We know and believe that we are the indirect cause of Jesus’ pain. It was our sins, big and little, that drove in the nails and made Him hang there on that cross of shame.
We find ourselves almost exactly 2 months from February 14. Valentine’s day, when our attention was focused on warm romantic love, even as snow lay on the ground and may have canceled many a romantic dinner. The story of Our Lord’s Passion drives home the facts about real love of neighbor. “Greater love than this no man has: that he lay down his life for his friend.” That is the famous caption for the picture. That is what Jesus did for us even though we were and are still to a large extent: sinners.
Add to this the fact that Jesus is God, and the whole story heard on a higher level. How dare we say that God does not love us? Check out the nearest crucifix for the opposite truth.
Imagine, if you will, what you would do if someone were to harm you physically. Or hurt you with malicious untrue gossip. You would certainly have righteous indignation. And perhaps a handy fist. How different is our loving God!
What we blandly call “the Passion Narrative” is really a chronicle of the worst injustice ever done by man to a Man. A man who is also God Himself. Don’t be too quick to insert yourself in the adoring crowd laying down palm for Jesus on a donkey to walk over. Instead, see yourself among those who picked up the nails for the soldiers to use. The confessional is the place for reconciliation with the Man on the donkey.
How better to end these thoughts than by praying together the traditional Act of Contrition which still says it best:
“O my God, I am heartily sorry for my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all because they have offended Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins; do penance; and avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.”
God love you, and have a meaningful Holy Week.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Isaiah 50: 4-7
This passage is called by scholars the “Third Servant Song.” The servant here is the prophet himself, who speaks God’s word, even as he suffers persecution for doing so.
Reading II: Philippians 2: 6-11
Possibly an early Christian hymn, this passage speaks of the mystery of Christ, who suffered brutally for our salvation.
The Gospel: Luke 22: 14 – 23:56, or 23: 1-49
St. Luke’s Passion account opens with the Last Supper and ends with the Lord’s burial. True to his calling, Luke writes with the details of an observant doctor.