Passion Sunday

Reflection

"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Luke 23:34

The tension in the Bible readings for this day always captures my attention. Beliefs, values, and world views are colliding in this dramatic conclusion to the public ministry of Jesus. The reign of God, the movement of God, is in conflict with the principalities and powers of this world; the complete loving and dying of one offering the world a new pattern of relationship built not upon power and domination, but upon mercy, grace, peace, forgiveness, service, justice, and love; self-interest giving way to concern for others; transformed and resurrected life preparing to burst forth from the place where the world sees only death.

The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, like His entrance into the world, is about peace, about reconciliation, about a divine song that cannot be silenced. Fast forward to the cross, to the execution of Jesus, to the final moments in the passion narrative and the familiar words from the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” At the heart of peace, lies the willingness to forgive, and in the end, it falls to a soldier carrying out the orders of others to proclaim, "This man was innocent beyond doubt."

I wonder where you see yourself in this drama, amidst the tension of colliding beliefs, values, and world views?

Prayer

Dearest Jesus, help us to hear and sing Your song of peace and live the reconciling words of forgiveness You uttered from the cross. Amen.

The Right Reverend Thomas C. Ely, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Vermont

Scripture

Procession Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel: Luke 22:14—23:56

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website