“g”, I will be keeping a “heart vigil” as your aunt passes from this world to the next. I often think of how Jesus’ mother, Mary, kept vigil at the foot of the cross. I hear in my heart the old familiar, “At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful mother weeping, close to Jesus to the end.”

I have “kept vigil” with family members and friends as they passed away and that song brings me strength… and a solidarity with Mary.

Anyone else have experiences of “keeping vigil” with a loved one?

This stirs my wonder about what it will be like to die from this human form. I like the thought of my spirit delivered into the comfort of God’s hands.

One of my dear aunts is experiencing her last moments on earth tonight – and I’m envisioning her transition from here – to there. Hoping my mom and her other sister and brother are there in whatever form, to welcome her.

It’s an interesting place to be. On your deathbed. Or the cross.

· How did this period affect other aspects of your life? These periods made me tenser, less sure of myself, more suspicious of others and made my thought processes murky and unfocused.

· How did it affect your ability to respond to family, friends, and the needs of others? I was more self-focused and less able to even see the needs of others. My needs, as well as the needs of others, became almost invisible.

· How did it affect your relationship with God? This is where a community of faith is so important. There were times when those praying around me (at Mass or Liturgy of Hours) carried my prayer. I felt distant or disconnected from God and others kept me connected by their love, their concern and their prayer. I also am a firm believer in Paul’s advice, “when I cannot pray, the Spirit of God prays in me.”

Eventually my relationship with myself, others and God came back into balance and focus. I became more empathetic with others who struggled. I grew through the difficulty. Hindsight tells me these things. While in the middle of difficulty, I can only trust.

Any comments from you?

SUGGESTION, BEFORE YOU READ THE TEXT!
This week the passion that will be read on Palm Sunday is (Luke 22:14-23:56) and Good Friday is (John 18:1-19:42). An insightful exercise would be to make a list of the events that took place from the Last Supper to the death of Jesus on the cross, as you remember them. Then, read the text here or that of John checking off those events on your list and noting those you did not list. At the end of the reading note which events ARE NOT recorded by Luke (or John), and which events are recorded that you did list. This type of exercise can provide some insights into what Luke considered important for his readers and which events are significant for you.

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14 When the hour came, he [Jesus] took his place at table with the apostles. 15. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 16 for, I tell you, I shall not eat it (again) until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you (that) from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19. Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” 20. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. 21. “And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; 22 for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.” 23. And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed.

24. Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. 25. He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; 26 but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. 27. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. 28. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; 29 and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, 30, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31. “Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.” 33. He said to him, “Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you.” 34. But he replied, “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.”

35. He said to them, “When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?” “No, nothing,” they replied. 36. He said to them, “But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, ‘He was counted among the wicked’; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment.” 38. Then they said, “Lord, look, there are two swords here.” But he replied, “It is enough!”

39. Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40. When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not undergo the test.” 41. After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” 43. (And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him.
44 He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.) 45. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. 46. He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.”

47. While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. 48. Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49. His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” 50. And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said in reply, “Stop, no more of this!” Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. 52. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53. Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”

54. After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. 55. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them.56. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, “This man too was with him.” 57. But he denied it saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58. A short while later someone else saw him and said, “You too are one of them”; but Peter answered, “My friend, I am not.” 59. About an hour later, still another insisted, “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.” 60. But Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, 61 and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62. He went out and began to weep bitterly.

63. The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing and beating him. 64. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65. And they reviled him in saying many other things against him.

66. When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. 67. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I question, you will not respond. 69. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70. They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” 71. Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.” 1. Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate.

2. They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Messiah, a king.” 3. Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” 4. Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” 5. But they were adamant and said; “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here.” 6. On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; 7 and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.

8. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. 9. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. 10. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. 11. (Even) Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. 12. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. 13. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people 14 and said to them, “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, 15 nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. 16. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” 17. 18. But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” 19 (Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder.) 20. Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, 21 but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22. Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” 23. With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. 24 The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. 25. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.

26. As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. 27. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. 28 Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, 29 for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30. At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ 31. for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” 32. Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. 33. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. 34. (Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”) They divided his garments by casting lots. 35. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” 36. Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine 37 they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” 38. Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”

39. Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” 40. The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? 41. And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” 42. Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43. He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

44. It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon 45 because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. 46. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.

47. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” 48. When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; 49 but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.

50. Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, 51 had not consented to their plan of action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the kingdom of God. 52. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried. 54. It was the day of preparation, and the sabbath was about to begin. 55. The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, 56 they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils. Then they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

BACKGROUND:
Luke presents a consistent image of Jesus. The qualities that Jesus has shown during his life are also the qualities that are present as Jesus moves toward his death. In the second verse of the text, Jesus tells those who have gathered for this last meal together that he eagerly desired to eat this meal with them. But this is no ideal image of the final banquet. In the course of the meal, before the betrayal of Judas will be foretold, those gathered argued about who is the greatest. Peter’s denial will be predicted. From the beginning, Luke portrays Jesus as one who accepts the human imperfections and weaknesses of even his closest followers. On the Mount of Olives, Luke portrays Jesus as one who briefly wrestles with what lies before him but quickly accepts the will of his Father. Again Jesus’ closest disciples are unable to endure in faith and they betray him. Their behavior indicates that they have not internalized his preaching and, as predicted, Peter denies his relationship with Jesus.

The one who will judge heaven and earth is led before the high priest, the Sanhedrin, Pilate and Herod. Jesus does not challenge their authority. They bring charges against him that range from being a revolutionary, to forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be king as well as the Christ and the Son of God. In the process of being questioned about the charges, he is also ridiculed, mocked, beaten and flogged three different times. The crowds that greeted him and praised God as he entered Jerusalem now turn to anger and condemnation. Throughout, Jesus conducts himself with a sense of dignity and control. As he is being led to be crucifixion, Jesus ministers to women of Jerusalem and to one of the men being crucified with him.

When Jesus finally hands over his spirit to his Father, the centurion who witnessed what has happened declares, “This man was innocent beyond a doubt.” (Luke 23:47) Throughout his narrative Luke reminds his audience of Jesus’ innocence. Three times Pilate states that he does not find Jesus guilty of the charges. “Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find this man not guilty.’ … Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, ‘you brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him’. … Pilate addressed them a third time, ‘what evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime…’ (Luke 23:4, 13-15, 22) One of those crucified with Jesus says to his companion “… we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” (Luke 23:41) Jesus’ prayer to His Father, that those who are crucifying Him be forgiven, is also a testament of Jesus’ innocence. (Luke 23:34) These reminders throughout the passion lead the reader to feel the truth of the centurion’s statement as Jesus gives us his life and darkness comes over the land. “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” (Luke 23:47b)

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What were some of the most difficult periods in your life?
· How did this period affect other aspects of your life?
· How did it affect your ability to respond to family, friends, and the needs of others?
· How did it affect your relationship with God?
2. Can you recall times when you were more angry than you needed to be, or even cruel, towards another?
· What was going on within you at that time?
· Were you aware that you were behaving poorly at the time or only in hindsight?
· What did that experience teach you about yourself?
3. Have you ever known, or even read about, people who stayed true to their course of action and beliefs even thought they were ridiculed and met much resistance?
· Why did they not “adapt to the situation”?
· What reaction did you have to them then? Now?
4. Luke presents Jesus as an innocent victim. The disciples, religious and civil authority, and the crowd all stand by and watch the innocent Jesus suffer tragically and be put to death. What does Luke’s description of Jesus’ passion say to you? How would you like to respond?
5. What happens within you when you hear Jesus say, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer”?
6. What happens within you when you hear Peter say, “Woman, I do not know him?
· My friend, I do not know what you are talking about”?
7. What happens within you when you hear Pilate say: “So no capital crime has been committed by him…. I found him guilty of no capital crime”?
· When you hear the thief crucified with him say, “this man had done nothing criminal”?
· And finally when the centurion says, “This man was innocent beyond doubt”?
8. Finally, what happens within you as you hear Jesus say, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit”?
9. As you pray and reflect on this passion text, what stirs within you? What is your desire for yourself, for your neighbor, for the church?