The following is a rough translation of Fr. Pedron's homily for Palm Sunday 2010 as posted on http://www.laChiesa.it/Today’s liturgy, The Passion of Christ is from the evangelist Luke. Even though it’s the same story we find that each evangelist gives us a different look at Jesus told from their perspective with the intent of telling us who Jesus was for them.
For Mark, Jesus was the abandoned one. All abandoned him. The disciples at the Garden of Gethsemane for all intents and purposes abandoned him; while Jesus goes off to pray they fall asleep three times (14, 32-42); Peter curses and denies knowing him (15, 66-72); Judas betrays him (14, 43-46).
They all flee; one goes so far as to leave his linen cloth and runs away naked (14, 52). The Romans and Jews are cynical: they leave him hanging on the cross for six hours (15, 25.33) and during this period they mock and deride him (15, 29-32). Even when Jesus dies: “My God My God why have you abandoned me?” (15, 34) they deride him (15, 36). And yet the veil to the temple is ripped and the centurion affirms, “Truly this man was the son of God.” (15,39). These are two signs, notwithstanding the abandonments, that Jesus was not a false prophet.
The passion of Mark helps me when I feel alone, when all are against me, when I have been mistaken or feel that I made a mistake.
I look at Jesus and see him in despair, even his dearest and closest friends, the ones who shared in his joys and good works, the ones who said, “We will never abandon you, we will always be there for you; you can count on us,” even those are now gone.
But what is even more dramatic is that even his own God is silent, not a word is uttered. Perhaps even he has abandoned him? Perhaps Jesus has mistaken everything?
There are certain times in life that we also think that we have mistaken all when we want to have it all end or to somehow get out of the middle of it all; when it happens we feel alone, abandoned and betrayed. That’s when we feel singled out, ridiculed; made a fool of, taunted and humiliated.
When I read Mark’s gospel I realize what happens when fear takes over a person; it makes them abandon, betray and deny the ones they love. No one lined up with Jesus; no one sided with him; no one took a risk. They all decided to stay out, not to get involved. If only they loved him, if only they truly listened to him but fear has a way of negating one’s true sentiments of love.
Matthew, who in part traces Mark, poses a great question; who is responsible (guilty) for Jesus’ death?
For Matthew all contribute in their own way to Jesus’ death. All have a part in it, directly or indirectly, by their actions or inaction.
Judas? Judas hangs himself after realizing he was used as a puppet by the chief priests. (27, 3-10). Judas is just a small stone in the satchel full of rocks.. All things considered, he is a puppet who sells Our Lord for money and opportunity.
For Mark, Jesus was the abandoned one. All abandoned him. The disciples at the Garden of Gethsemane for all intents and purposes abandoned him; while Jesus goes off to pray they fall asleep three times (14, 32-42); Peter curses and denies knowing him (15, 66-72); Judas betrays him (14, 43-46).
They all flee; one goes so far as to leave his linen cloth and runs away naked (14, 52). The Romans and Jews are cynical: they leave him hanging on the cross for six hours (15, 25.33) and during this period they mock and deride him (15, 29-32). Even when Jesus dies: “My God My God why have you abandoned me?” (15, 34) they deride him (15, 36). And yet the veil to the temple is ripped and the centurion affirms, “Truly this man was the son of God.” (15,39). These are two signs, notwithstanding the abandonments, that Jesus was not a false prophet.
The passion of Mark helps me when I feel alone, when all are against me, when I have been mistaken or feel that I made a mistake.
I look at Jesus and see him in despair, even his dearest and closest friends, the ones who shared in his joys and good works, the ones who said, “We will never abandon you, we will always be there for you; you can count on us,” even those are now gone.
But what is even more dramatic is that even his own God is silent, not a word is uttered. Perhaps even he has abandoned him? Perhaps Jesus has mistaken everything?
There are certain times in life that we also think that we have mistaken all when we want to have it all end or to somehow get out of the middle of it all; when it happens we feel alone, abandoned and betrayed. That’s when we feel singled out, ridiculed; made a fool of, taunted and humiliated.
When I read Mark’s gospel I realize what happens when fear takes over a person; it makes them abandon, betray and deny the ones they love. No one lined up with Jesus; no one sided with him; no one took a risk. They all decided to stay out, not to get involved. If only they loved him, if only they truly listened to him but fear has a way of negating one’s true sentiments of love.
Matthew, who in part traces Mark, poses a great question; who is responsible (guilty) for Jesus’ death?
For Matthew all contribute in their own way to Jesus’ death. All have a part in it, directly or indirectly, by their actions or inaction.
Judas? Judas hangs himself after realizing he was used as a puppet by the chief priests. (27, 3-10). Judas is just a small stone in the satchel full of rocks.. All things considered, he is a puppet who sells Our Lord for money and opportunity.
Judas is like all the adults who sell themselves for the love of money. They work continuously putting in long hours, type A personalities. With their money they spend lavishly on gifts for their children (feeling no guilt) and take vacations in exotic places because they can afford it. But they don’t realize that they’re selling their soul; don’t realize that they’re always putting something ahead of their soul and spirit. Thereby one day they awake and realize that they are empty, unsatisfied, have nothing. But they are too weak and lack the know-how to change their life.
In that way they are left to drift and in time death will finally catch up to them (but many are already dead).
Peter? Peter is a man with great enthusiasm (26, 35); “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” Peter proclaims great things, but like snow under bright sun it soon melts and three times he denies his master and friend (26, 69-75).
Peter represents all those that do not know themselves yet think that they can conquer the world. They make grand promises, and bid eternal love promising to be forever faithful and they truly believe themselves. They have such innocence or too much presumption or are simply ignorant; they don’t know themselves. They don’t know the requirements of being faithful.
All those that marry both vow eternal love. But then… Thos who upon being confirmed state that Jesus will be the center of their life. But then… Many after a retreat, an encounter, or a course will say that they will change their life. But then…
Pilate? By washing his hands Pilate thinks that he is exempt from any responsibility (27, 11-26). His own wife begged him not to have anything to do with that man (27, 19).
Pilate represents all those that say, “It’s no concern of mine,” and thinks that it’s ok to feel that way, they are comfortable with it.
If there’s a problem in school and it doesn’t involve my children, I’ll wash my hands of it. If there’s a problem in my parish or condominium and it doesn’t pertain me, it’s better to wash one's hands. If someone is suffering what business is it of mine? Let those whose business it is help out.
All were in line in front of the gate, the entrance to Paradise. A group of friends from the same town who had abused a girl had reached the gate. “After having done what you did what makes you think you are going to enter here? Out! There is no room in here for you,” sounded St. Peter and in fact, none of them entered. Right after them came a man from the same town. He surely thought he would enter because he had no involvement with the previous group. He noticed what was going on and decided to stay quietly at a distance instead of taking a risk. “What makes you think you’re entering here?” Asked St. Peter. “But I didn’t do anything,” answered the man. “Exactly! Why didn’t you intervene? Out!”
And the crowd? The crowd is in the dark and susceptible to be conditioned to follow whatever the priests and elders say. They are persuaded to yell out Barabbas. When Pilate asked them, “Of the two, who do you want me to release,” they yell Barabbas.
The crowd represents all those who are easily conditioned, swayed and influenced. They have no mind of their own and follow the latest and greatest. They are the gullible people that follow the empty promises of politicians, “Less taxes for all, a million new jobs, a better economy, higher salaries etc.” These are all the people that are in tune with the new fads and gimmicks.
The crowd lacks personality. No one is directly responsible for Jesus’ death yet it was them who condemned him to death
Matthew through his personalities says, “You are all to blame, directly or not, for fear or interest you betrayed him and did not take his side.”
Luke on the other hand presents us a Jesus who forgives all. Luke sweetens up the various personalities. The disciples remain faithful to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane falling asleep once not three times (22, 30-46) a sleep of sadness. His enemies do not present false testimony like the other gospels 922, 66-70); three times Pilate tries to liberate him because he’s innocent (22, 13-25); the crowd that followed lamented (23, 27); and one of the two thieves is good (23, 39-43).
In Luke, Jesus is concerned about all. He heals the ear of the servant struck during his arrest (22, 50-51). He’s concerned about the women he meets on his ascent to Calvary (23, 28-31), he forgives the people that nail him to the cross (23, 34), promises Paradise to the repentant thief (23, 43).
Jesus is presented in Luke as one who understands his enemies acting in that manner because they live in the dark otherwise they wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing. This is how he values all. The crowd is evil but not because they are wicked but because they are mad, they are nervous, ‘testy,’ susceptible, they are troubled internally and this is how it manifests; the crowd is judgmental because they don’t’ understand the mercy in them, they don’t understand tenderness, don’t know love; the crowd despises others because they don’t know how to get into the hearts of men.
In that way they are left to drift and in time death will finally catch up to them (but many are already dead).
Peter? Peter is a man with great enthusiasm (26, 35); “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” Peter proclaims great things, but like snow under bright sun it soon melts and three times he denies his master and friend (26, 69-75).
Peter represents all those that do not know themselves yet think that they can conquer the world. They make grand promises, and bid eternal love promising to be forever faithful and they truly believe themselves. They have such innocence or too much presumption or are simply ignorant; they don’t know themselves. They don’t know the requirements of being faithful.
All those that marry both vow eternal love. But then… Thos who upon being confirmed state that Jesus will be the center of their life. But then… Many after a retreat, an encounter, or a course will say that they will change their life. But then…
Pilate? By washing his hands Pilate thinks that he is exempt from any responsibility (27, 11-26). His own wife begged him not to have anything to do with that man (27, 19).
Pilate represents all those that say, “It’s no concern of mine,” and thinks that it’s ok to feel that way, they are comfortable with it.
If there’s a problem in school and it doesn’t involve my children, I’ll wash my hands of it. If there’s a problem in my parish or condominium and it doesn’t pertain me, it’s better to wash one's hands. If someone is suffering what business is it of mine? Let those whose business it is help out.
All were in line in front of the gate, the entrance to Paradise. A group of friends from the same town who had abused a girl had reached the gate. “After having done what you did what makes you think you are going to enter here? Out! There is no room in here for you,” sounded St. Peter and in fact, none of them entered. Right after them came a man from the same town. He surely thought he would enter because he had no involvement with the previous group. He noticed what was going on and decided to stay quietly at a distance instead of taking a risk. “What makes you think you’re entering here?” Asked St. Peter. “But I didn’t do anything,” answered the man. “Exactly! Why didn’t you intervene? Out!”
And the crowd? The crowd is in the dark and susceptible to be conditioned to follow whatever the priests and elders say. They are persuaded to yell out Barabbas. When Pilate asked them, “Of the two, who do you want me to release,” they yell Barabbas.
The crowd represents all those who are easily conditioned, swayed and influenced. They have no mind of their own and follow the latest and greatest. They are the gullible people that follow the empty promises of politicians, “Less taxes for all, a million new jobs, a better economy, higher salaries etc.” These are all the people that are in tune with the new fads and gimmicks.
The crowd lacks personality. No one is directly responsible for Jesus’ death yet it was them who condemned him to death
Matthew through his personalities says, “You are all to blame, directly or not, for fear or interest you betrayed him and did not take his side.”
Luke on the other hand presents us a Jesus who forgives all. Luke sweetens up the various personalities. The disciples remain faithful to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane falling asleep once not three times (22, 30-46) a sleep of sadness. His enemies do not present false testimony like the other gospels 922, 66-70); three times Pilate tries to liberate him because he’s innocent (22, 13-25); the crowd that followed lamented (23, 27); and one of the two thieves is good (23, 39-43).
In Luke, Jesus is concerned about all. He heals the ear of the servant struck during his arrest (22, 50-51). He’s concerned about the women he meets on his ascent to Calvary (23, 28-31), he forgives the people that nail him to the cross (23, 34), promises Paradise to the repentant thief (23, 43).
Jesus is presented in Luke as one who understands his enemies acting in that manner because they live in the dark otherwise they wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing. This is how he values all. The crowd is evil but not because they are wicked but because they are mad, they are nervous, ‘testy,’ susceptible, they are troubled internally and this is how it manifests; the crowd is judgmental because they don’t’ understand the mercy in them, they don’t understand tenderness, don’t know love; the crowd despises others because they don’t know how to get into the hearts of men.
Jesus forgives them not because they are just but because they are blind, they don’t see, they trade the bad for good and the good for bad; they think they are religious when in fact they are atheists; they think they are rendering homage to God yet they kill his son; they believe in rules because they have no conscience; they think they know all but live in total ignorance.
How many people live like this! They think they are free, but are so conditioned that they don’t even realize it. They think they are the master of their live but instead find that they are seated on a train. They say, “I lead my own life,” and don’t realize that it’s the train that ;s taking them where they are going. They think they know themselves, yet can’t explain to you who they are; they think they know God because they read some book or watched some movie or documentary. For them it takes one book by Dan Brown to get them all confused. God will forgive them one day. But no one is justified since that ignorance (above all that suit of knowledge) kills, destroys, humiliates, and carries out the worst atrocities.
For John however, Jesus is the man mindful of the fact that he voluntarily is moving toward his destiny. Even if he is executed the reality is that He is the true king. In his sovereignty he throws out this challenge, “I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from me.” (10, 17-18) The Roman soldiers and temple guards who go to arrest Jesus fall down stunned when he utters the phrase, ”I am he.”(18, 6) At Gethsemane Jesus doesn’t pray to be liberated from the hour of death, unlike the other Gospels, because that hour is the defining point of his life. (12, 27)
How many people live like this! They think they are free, but are so conditioned that they don’t even realize it. They think they are the master of their live but instead find that they are seated on a train. They say, “I lead my own life,” and don’t realize that it’s the train that ;s taking them where they are going. They think they know themselves, yet can’t explain to you who they are; they think they know God because they read some book or watched some movie or documentary. For them it takes one book by Dan Brown to get them all confused. God will forgive them one day. But no one is justified since that ignorance (above all that suit of knowledge) kills, destroys, humiliates, and carries out the worst atrocities.
For John however, Jesus is the man mindful of the fact that he voluntarily is moving toward his destiny. Even if he is executed the reality is that He is the true king. In his sovereignty he throws out this challenge, “I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from me.” (10, 17-18) The Roman soldiers and temple guards who go to arrest Jesus fall down stunned when he utters the phrase, ”I am he.”(18, 6) At Gethsemane Jesus doesn’t pray to be liberated from the hour of death, unlike the other Gospels, because that hour is the defining point of his life. (12, 27)
Jesus is so sure of himself that he offend the high priest (18, 22). Pilate fears him when he hears, “ You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above.” 19.8.11)
John does not mention Simon of Cyrene; it’s only Jesus that carries his own cross. (19, 17) His regality is confirmed in three languages. (19, 20) Jesus is not alone because with him at the foot of the cross are his mother and the disciple who loved him. (19, 25-27) Jesus doesn’t shout, “My God, my God why have you abandoned me,” because his father is always with him (16, 32); his last words instead express a solemn decision, “It is finished.” (19, 30) Even his death is a fountain of life because from him flows out living water (7, 38-39). His burial is not improvised as in the other Gospels; thanks to Nicodemus the Lord’s body was covered with 100 pounds of a myrrh and aloe mixture and then bound in linen cloths, a burial worthy of a king. (19, 38-42)
John does not mention Simon of Cyrene; it’s only Jesus that carries his own cross. (19, 17) His regality is confirmed in three languages. (19, 20) Jesus is not alone because with him at the foot of the cross are his mother and the disciple who loved him. (19, 25-27) Jesus doesn’t shout, “My God, my God why have you abandoned me,” because his father is always with him (16, 32); his last words instead express a solemn decision, “It is finished.” (19, 30) Even his death is a fountain of life because from him flows out living water (7, 38-39). His burial is not improvised as in the other Gospels; thanks to Nicodemus the Lord’s body was covered with 100 pounds of a myrrh and aloe mixture and then bound in linen cloths, a burial worthy of a king. (19, 38-42)
The Jesus of John is fully aware of what is to come. For this he is the true king. He is the true king because he dominates the scene, it is him who ‘wants’ his death. Jesus doesn’t wish to die but he doesn’t want to remove the fidelity of those who believe and listen. For this he goes to the end with great dignity and regality.
The Jesus of John unmasks all the false kings of this world; the politicians, the jocks, the powerful, the successful men. Like Pilate and the high priests they think they dominate and run this world. But the true regality does not stem from what you do or what you have but from the type of person you are. Regality is to fight for what you believe and to remain faithful to what you say you believe. Regality is to go all the way to the end even if you have to pay for it with your own person.
Why four passion stories? Wasn’t there just one passion?
Each saw with their own eyes what happened and it spoke to their hearts in diverse manner.
As I approach the passion this year I’m not the same as last year and I will not be like this next year. This year it will talk to me differently than before. I might be attached to a different person in the story or I might come away with a different sentiment or message.
In silence, the silence of my heart, I read and listen.
In silence, the silence of not knowing what I will find in this passion, I leave these words to enter my soul.
In silence, the silence of my heart reading this passion I observe where I am in my life.
The Jesus of John unmasks all the false kings of this world; the politicians, the jocks, the powerful, the successful men. Like Pilate and the high priests they think they dominate and run this world. But the true regality does not stem from what you do or what you have but from the type of person you are. Regality is to fight for what you believe and to remain faithful to what you say you believe. Regality is to go all the way to the end even if you have to pay for it with your own person.
Why four passion stories? Wasn’t there just one passion?
Each saw with their own eyes what happened and it spoke to their hearts in diverse manner.
As I approach the passion this year I’m not the same as last year and I will not be like this next year. This year it will talk to me differently than before. I might be attached to a different person in the story or I might come away with a different sentiment or message.
In silence, the silence of my heart, I read and listen.
In silence, the silence of not knowing what I will find in this passion, I leave these words to enter my soul.
In silence, the silence of my heart reading this passion I observe where I am in my life.
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