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IIsaiah 50: 4-7 Psalm 21 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14 - 23:56
Today the prophet Isaiah presents us with a picture of a faithful servant of God who is deeply and unjustly humiliated but remains dignified in suffering. As we contemplate the mystery of the cross, these words take on a profound meaning for us in the passion of Jesus.
One of the main features of Luke's passion story is the Passover which celebrates God's liberation of his people from slavery and looks ahead to the final liberation. During this meal Jesus provided not only the usual unleavened bread for his disciples but also gave himself and he established a new covenant in his blood soon to be shed in "sacrificial offering". At the table Jesus taught his disciples about the meaning of leadership in his community - a leader is one who serves.
In the account of the passion Jesus' fidelity to his father is contrasted with the weakness and denial of his disciples. At his death, Jesus, the innocent, suffering, righteous one, faithful to God to the end, extends God's mercy to sinners in his dying breath. Today we contemplate our sinfulness as individuals and as a society and we are among those who stand at the foot of the cross to ask for God's forgiveness. Can we hear Jesus' words of promise that we will one day be with him in Paradise?