This is our last week of the Easter season. We are reminded again what the season is about, just like our Creed professes: The triumphal resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, death and descent into hell, whereupon he rose again from the dead and ascended into heaven.
Jesus is glorified in all this. Before he departs upon his journey to the cross (where the story is taken just as Judas departs to fetch the soldiers), he reiterates his new command: Love one another.
This is not easy. It involves genuine forgiveness and unconditional love. It is attainable through practice and sacrifice. To be his disciples, we are called to do this, to love one another as he has loved us.
Showing posts with label Crucifixion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crucifixion. Show all posts
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Matthew 20: 17-28 The Request of Salome
All three readings, the first reading, the Psalm, and the Gospel share being plotted against, and trapped. The Psalm it the universal lament of mankind that occasionally feels the world is against us. We are not to despair. The Pslam encourages us,
"You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God."
Jesus himself is being plotted against. In the Gospel he tells the Apostles that he will be handed over and condemned to death.
In the reading too we hear Mary Salome, a disciple of Jesus and mother of James and John, begging that Jesus let her sons sit at his left and right when Jesus came into his kingdom. She does not yet fully understand what she is asking. Jesus points that out to her. Then Jesus asks the Apostles if they are able to drink from the chalice from which he is to drink. This is an intimate ancient gesture that binds people. Jesus tells them that they will also drink from the same cup. Jesus reminds them that humility is to be practiced, that they ought not to lord over others: that the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and that it is not for him to decide who is placed at his right and at his left in the Heavenly Kingdom. That is the Father's role.
And what of Mary called Salome? She will come to understand as Christ is fully revealed to her as she stands with the Blessed Mother at the Crucifixion and is one of the women present at the tomb at the Resurrection.
"You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God."
Jesus himself is being plotted against. In the Gospel he tells the Apostles that he will be handed over and condemned to death.
In the reading too we hear Mary Salome, a disciple of Jesus and mother of James and John, begging that Jesus let her sons sit at his left and right when Jesus came into his kingdom. She does not yet fully understand what she is asking. Jesus points that out to her. Then Jesus asks the Apostles if they are able to drink from the chalice from which he is to drink. This is an intimate ancient gesture that binds people. Jesus tells them that they will also drink from the same cup. Jesus reminds them that humility is to be practiced, that they ought not to lord over others: that the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and that it is not for him to decide who is placed at his right and at his left in the Heavenly Kingdom. That is the Father's role.
And what of Mary called Salome? She will come to understand as Christ is fully revealed to her as she stands with the Blessed Mother at the Crucifixion and is one of the women present at the tomb at the Resurrection.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Matthew 16: 13-19 The Confession of St. Peter
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter also known as 'cathedra petri'. This has been celebrated since early times as a special commemoration of the primatal authority of St. Peter.
Jesus called Simon Peter to be a fisher of men. Peter came. Then later when Jesus asks who people say that he is, Simon Peter reflects upon Jesus' life, his teachings and puts them into context with what he knows of his faith in the sacred scriptures of the prophets and the Law, and he realizes who Jesus is. He is inspired by the Spirit. Simon Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. God had revealed this to him. As specially anointed to preach this, Jesus tells him that he is Peter. He is the rock on which he would build his church. This is the primal authority of St. Peter.
As outspoken and at times having little faith, embodying all the faults of someone truly human, Peter is chosen of them all to lead the others in the Way. God is with him as he tries to grasp what is being revealed to him, and also drives Peter to want to be even more intimately close to him. It is a great trust and responsibility placed upon Peter's shoulders, but will become even greater as the Passion and Crucifixion grow close. In our Lenten journey we look toward Peter's successor, Pope Francis, for our cues to that which will bring us closer to our Lord.
Jesus called Simon Peter to be a fisher of men. Peter came. Then later when Jesus asks who people say that he is, Simon Peter reflects upon Jesus' life, his teachings and puts them into context with what he knows of his faith in the sacred scriptures of the prophets and the Law, and he realizes who Jesus is. He is inspired by the Spirit. Simon Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. God had revealed this to him. As specially anointed to preach this, Jesus tells him that he is Peter. He is the rock on which he would build his church. This is the primal authority of St. Peter.
As outspoken and at times having little faith, embodying all the faults of someone truly human, Peter is chosen of them all to lead the others in the Way. God is with him as he tries to grasp what is being revealed to him, and also drives Peter to want to be even more intimately close to him. It is a great trust and responsibility placed upon Peter's shoulders, but will become even greater as the Passion and Crucifixion grow close. In our Lenten journey we look toward Peter's successor, Pope Francis, for our cues to that which will bring us closer to our Lord.
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