Luke 23: 26 – 31 The Way of the Cross

Luke 23: 26 – 31 The Way of the Cross

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. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, 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.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.


In my Bible this only has a small resemblance to The Way of the Cross as most Catholics know it – that is the thirteen meditations found around the walls of a church depicting the passion and death of Christ. Luke emphasizes two events in particular of that difficult, agonizing journey – Simon of Cyrene being made to carry the cross and Jesus’ meeting with the “daughters of Jerusalem”. In the first case the drafting of Simon seems pretty straightforward. The soldiers, now firmly in charge, do not want to be robbed of their spectacle. If Jesus expires before they can crucify him they and the throngs of bystanders will be sorely disappointed. In the second case, the result is less clear. Women are weeping for Jesus along the route. Jesus tells them not to weep for him but for themselves and their children. It seems like a dire warning. I’m sure that down through the ages various anti-Semitic groups have used this passage as an excuse to persecute Jews. What can Jesus mean? It is true that his ordeal is almost ended and his reward is at hand while theirs is not. Is it as simple as that? Or is Jesus commenting on the plight of any group that lacks power - as the women and children of the times seem to do – living with the consequences of “the deciders” in this case the men? I have to admit I am grasping at straws. Turns out that God will not protect us from the consequences of our own bad decisions. We have only to look around us to see that playing out all around us in the environment, in our economy, in our culture. I am decidedly feeling gloomy today on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. What do you think?

Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

Luke 22: 66 – 71 & 23: 1 – 25 Jesus Faces His Accusers

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

Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 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.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” 5But they were adamant and said, “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here." On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time.

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. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. [Even] Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. 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. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” (Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder.) Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 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.” With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. 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.

Jesus finally faces his accusers. First the elders, chief priests and scribes, then Pilate, Herod, and Pilate again. The priests, scribes and elders want to know if he is the Messiah. Jesus replies, “If I tell you, you will not believe me.” Have not his actions, his words and deeds given enough proof? Certainly for those who see with the eyes of faith. But their minds are closed, their path already chosen. Jesus comes before Pilate on a charge of subverting the nation and opposing the payment of taxes. Pilate questions Jesus and finds him guilty of neither charge then hands him off to Herod who is only interested in Jesus the miracle worker. When Jesus refuses to “perform” Herod grows bored and returns Jesus to Pilate. This is the last thing Pilate wants. The elders, priests and scribes have followed along, accusing Jesus and seeking his death. They have burned their bridges and now incite the crowd to hysteria. Pilate finally gives in. What is the life of one poor, downtrodden Jew to him? The chief priests, elders and scribes cannot bear to be wrong so they “erase” their mistake.

Luke 22: 63 – 65 Jesus Victimized

Luke 22: 63 – 65 Jesus Victimized

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

Jesus is about to be brought before the Chief Priest and the elders, and from there to Pilate. But first, the men holding him abuse and humiliate him. They slap him, taunt him, and blindfold him. What is it about people in power who so often take advantage of others? Is it fear of someone different from themselves? Do they feel threatened? Is it about them, the one in power, or is it about the one they have power over? What harm could Jesus do at that point? I think it must be about the one in power. Somehow that absolute power leads to abuse of the vulnerable. It is cowardly, it is despicable, but it is not about the victim, it is about the perpetrator.

Luke 22:47 – 62 Denial

Luke 22:47 – 62 Denial

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. Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, "Lord, shall we strike with a sword?" And one of them struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, "Stop, no more of this!" Then he touched the servant's ear and healed him. 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? 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." After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, "This man too was with him." But he denied it saying, "Woman, I do not know him." A short while later someone else saw him and said, "You too are one of them"; but Peter answered, "My friend, I am not." About an hour later, still another insisted, "Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean." But Peter said, "My friend, I do not know what you are talking about." Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, 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." He went out and began to weep bitterly.

Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Betrayed by Judas, he is taken away by men with clubs and swords. His followers offer some resistance but Jesus quells it for two reasons: 1) he does not believe in violence of any kind, and 2) he knows his hour has come. As he is taken away, Peter follows along at a distance. Several people see Peter and recognize him as one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter of course denies it three times and then the cock crows – just as Jesus had foretold. Peter goes out and weeps bitterly. This is the man that Jesus will place his church/movement into the hands of – a man who has lacked courage, who has denied him, who has sometimes been foolish and boastful. Sound familiar? It does to me. I have been all of those things and more.

Even though Peter is far from perfect, Jesus still believes in him. Jesus’ belief in Peter, Peter’s attempts to be the person Jesus knows he can be, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the needs of other, all came together for Peter and he had a huge impact on the lives of many – founding a church movement that changed the world. All of these factors can come together for us as well - our faith in Jesus, his faith in us, our attempts to live up to that faith, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the needs of others. But we have to be willing to try and fail and try again as Peter was willing, even though like him we are far from perfect.

Luke 22: 39 – 46 Agony in the Garden

Luke 22: 39 – 46 Agony in the Garden

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." Then they said, "Lord, look, there are two swords here." But he replied, "It is enough!" Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not undergo the test." After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." (And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.) When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test."

Two things immediately jump out at me in this scripture. First, twice during the passage Jesus says to his disciples “Pray that you may not be put to the test”, and “Pray that you may not be subjected to the trial.” These are some of the same words that Jesus used when he taught his followers to pray The Our Father. Somehow, down through the ages they have been changed slightly to “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.” I guess the words are somewhat similar, although I prefer the original. The point being that life is full of tests and trials, some of which come about through our own fault and some through the actions of others or just through bad luck, accident or disaster. How we deal with them is what matters. This brings me to my second point about this scripture. When presented with a trial, Jesus turned to his Father, praying for strength to accept the test if it be his Father’s will. The scripture goes on to say, “And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him”. Tests and trials come often in life and cannot be avoided, but with the grace of God, they can be gotten through. In the end Jesus was rewarded for his fortitude. So too will we be rewarded.

Luke 22: 21- 38 Who is the Greatest?

Luke 22: 21- 38 Who is the Greatest?

"And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed." And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed. Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as 'Benefactors'; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. 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. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers." He said to him, "Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you." But he replied, "I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me." 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. He said to them, 12 "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. 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."

Following the Passover meal but before they left the room and headed to the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and his followers remained at table. These are there last few minutes together uninterrupted. How do they spend those minutes? Disputes and denials. The disciples argue among themselves – who is the betrayer that Christ hinted at? Then - who is the greatest among them? Peter’s denial is also foretold. Poor Jesus. He needs his disciples’ encouragement, their compassion, as he approaches his suffering and death. Instead they are focused on themselves. Jesus patiently explains that “it cannot be that way with you”. “Let the greater among you be as the youngest, the leader as the servant”, Jesus says to them. And to Simon Peter he says, “ You must strengthen your brothers.” Jesus has done all he can for them. Soon it will be up to them and to the Holy Spirit. An amazingly, that will be enough. This is the groups that founded our entire faith – The Christian faith. With Christ’s words and deeds for inspiration and the help of the Holy Spirit, they and we are capable of many good things.

Luke 22: 14 - 20 The Eucharist, continued

This passage describes the first Eucharist, a central part of the Catholic Mass and our faith. Why is it so important? What is the deal with the emphasis on "body" and "blood"? Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ, that it is his body and blood in that bread and wine. This is as central a belief as there is for Catholics. It also was probably as shocking a statement as Jesus could have made to devoted Jews who avoided contact with blood at all costs.

Perhaps focusing on the physicality of "body" and "blood" is too simplistic, too nearsighted. Perhaps the point is Jesus's intent to give his total self, his entire being to his followers - to strengthen, inspire, console and encourage them. The physicality of the sacrament, the very, shall we say unusualness of it, makes it unique and memorable. But at bottom it is a symbol of all the richness and depth that Jesus brings into his follower's lives by his words, his deeds, his wisdom, his compassion, his humility, his love for us and for God. That is worth remembering and giving thanks for. Eucharist. Thanksgiving. Amen.

Luke 22: 7 – 20 Passover Become Eucharist

Luke 22: 7 – 20 Passover Become Eucharist

When the day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread arrived, the day for sacrificing the Passover lamb, he sent out Peter and John, instructing them, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." They asked him, "Where do you want us to make the preparations?" And he answered them, "When you go into the city, a man will meet you carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house that he enters and say to the master of the house, 'The teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' He will show you a large upper room that is furnished. Make the preparations there." Then they went off and found everything exactly as he had told them, and there they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it (again) until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; 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." 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." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.

Jesus is a good Jew and like all good Jews, he celebrates the Passover: the memorial of God’s intervention into the lives of his ancestors to free them from slavery and lead them to the Promised Land. Essentially Passover is a celebration of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. In this gospel passage, Jesus makes the transition from Passover to Eucharist. First he gathers all his loved ones around him as family and friends gather to celebrate the Passover. Then he gives thanks. It doesn’t say exactly what he gives thanks for, but I imagine it is for this chance to be together, for their friendship and presence in each others’ lives, and, since his faith in God is such an important part of his life, he no doubt gives thanks for all of these things to the goodness of God. Then he blesses, breaks and distributes the bread and then the wine – calling the bread his body and the wine his blood (more about this next time). Then he asks those present, his closest friends, “to do this in remembrance of me”. Jesus knows that he is leaving and he wants to leave his followers with some action that will sustain them in the coming times, something that will recall Jesus’ actions and words to them, his sacrifice for them. We Catholics call this a sacrament – a sign given by God to increase and sustain faith. But at its heart, like the Jewish Passover, the Eucharist is a way to celebrate and remember the “in-breaking” of God’s power and mercy to bring God’s people to salvation. Passover/Eucharist. Thanksgiving/Remembrance. Amen

Luke 22:1 – 6 Satan Takes Possession

Luke 22:1 – 6 Satan Takes Possession

Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, 2 was drawing near, and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put him to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, 3 the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing him over to them. They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. He accepted their offer and sought a favorable opportunity to hand him over to them in the absence of a crowd.

The hour is finally upon them. The high priests and scribes have been looking for a way to bring about Jesus’ downfall and finally they have found it, or I should say - him. Judas - the name that will live in infamy and become synonymous with “betrayer”. How did this happen? Luke says that “Satan took possession” of Judas. What does that mean? As Christians we believe Christ is close by us at all times, in reach of our thoughts and our prayers. Ready to strengthen us, to steady us, to comfort us, if only we believe in him and call on him. According to this scripture, Satan is also close by, waiting for an opportunity to exploit our doubts, our fears, and our weaknesses. Ready to “take possession” and lead us into sin. Of course I do not like to think about Satan, his existence and his plans. But forewarned as they say is forearmed. Perhaps the phrases "Lead us not into Temptation" and "Deliver us from Evil" from the Lord's Prayer are Jesus' tacit way of warning us about this without making too much of Satan and adding to his pride.

Luke: 21: 29 – 38 End Times, continued

Luke: 21: 29 – 38 End Times, continued

He taught them a lesson. "Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." During the day, Jesus was teaching in the temple area, but at night he would leave and stay at the place called the Mount of Olives. And all the people would get up early each morning to listen to him in the temple area.

Jesus continues to talk about the end times and the signs that will foretell that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Then he makes what appears to be a specific prediction “Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.” What does that mean? The first Christians took that passage quite literally, and behaved accordingly. Many of the passages from the book of the Bible that record the happenings immediately following Christ’s death (Acts of the Apostles) are very inspiring, pointing to a community that worshiped together, shared their possessions with all, and by their love for each other and for those around them gained many converts. When the Apostles began to pass away without the Kingdom of God coming, they began to cast about for explanations. Now more than 2000 years later we still have not had that day come to pass. Is this indicative of God’s patience with us – that more may come to know him? Or has he given up on us? Let’s hope not. Meanwhile, we can only do as Jesus has recommended - be vigilant, don’t get caught up in anxieties and bad behavior, and pray. Or perhaps, even better, live as the Apostles lived in those first heady days of the church – praying, sharing what we have, and loving one another. If we do that we will be ready for the Kingdom to come whenever that happens.

Luke 21: 5 – 28 End Times

Luke 21: 5 – 28 End Times

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, "All that you see here--the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city for these days are the time of punishment when all the scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."

Jesus predicts the end of days – that period of human history when the world comes to an end. The passages describe great suffering and calamities. Some religions spend a lot of time and energy trying to relate these passages to current events. The events described are very daunting – false gods, wars, earthquakes, plagues and persecutions. I find myself reading over those verses quickly. I don’t want to think about the fear and suffering predicted. I home in on Jesus few words of encouragement, “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." (Yes I skipped over a sentence or two about betrayal, hate and destruction). I focus in on that and try to look past the rest. Steady on. Keep Breathing.

Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

Luke 21: 1 – 4 The Widow’s Mite

When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."

The topic of the day is giving alms, giving to the poor. Jesus points out two examples – the rich people who give out of their excess wealth and the poor widow who gives all she has. How much is enough you might ask? We live in a time of extremes – both the numbers of rich and poor are growing. I think perhaps our mistake is in characterizing our giving as charity. Somehow that strikes the American psyche wrong – both in the receiving (people feel humiliated, or sad to be in such a position, or even angry when they are given charity - but enough about them - I think this is really about us!) – or in the giving, which is voluntary, often inadequate to meet the need, and in many cases, an afterthought. I think regarding our giving as charity is where we go wrong. I believe everything we have is due to God’s generosity. Our God-given talents and opportunities are I believe, yes, given to us by God. True, we work hard at them, we develop them, and they bear fruit in terms of recognition and financial payback. Perhaps we need to think more of being grateful and joyful for what we have been given, and out of that joy and gratitude be generous to those around us as God has been generous to us.