O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of your son you offer your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
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HOLY GOSPEL LUKE 22: 14-23:56
And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And he took a cup and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this.
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MUSINGS
Luke's Passion narrative is a very long passage with several themes pertaining to the persecution and death of Jesus. I have only reprinted the opening verses which are the familiar words of institution for the sacrament of Holy Communion. Luke's story is a contest of wills. The powerful Judean temple leaders conspire with the Roman officials to destroy Jesus who presents a threat to the business as usual manipulations perpetrated by the religious and Imperial Roman systems. It is also a message of how Jesus gives himself to his Father's will and embraces his fate as written in the Gospels. Luke and the other Gospels also reflect on the responsibility for the crucifixion and attempt to assign blame. The execution of Jesus was caused by willful opposition and yet his ugly death was both understandable and purposeful. In the end, God's will is accomplished by manipulating other powers and human society. God's will triumphed over the corrupt and self serving human forces. Luke's political drama is where truth and justice are overwhelmed by the will of the Judean hierarchy and a Roman governor seeking political gain. Luke's theological drama is also achieved as God's will is attained by human misunderstanding and political contrivance.
The passion story represents the rejection of God's special prophet and also the route that this Savior must take for his resurrection and glory. The rejection is chaotic, improbable and fearful. God accomplished God's design through the passion of Jesus. The Passion Story causes all believers to ask difficult questions about God and his ways. Accepting the mystery of God allows us to offer praise in response to his saving will. God cares too much about salvation to leave it in mortal hands. Salvation requires God's intervention into all aspects of human existence. We have much for which to be thankful.
Almighty God, you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take our flesh upon him and to suffer death upon the cross. Grant that we may share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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