Writing to the people of Corinth, Paul reminds them that he preached not with human wisdom, but about how God’s power was revealed through the crucifixion of Christ.
Following the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, the high priest Caiaphas prophesizes that “it is better that one man should die instead of the people” and reveals how the Lord saves us through his Passion and death on the Cross.
Offering a parable to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus speaks about his suffering and rejection, showing us the path that leads from the Cross into newness of life.
Having taught his disciples about his crucifixion in Jerusalem, the Lord takes a teachable moment to show how their humble service becomes a life-giving offering.
When Peter’s fear of crucifixion leads him to tempt Jesus away from his saving mission, the Lord responds with a stern rebuke and a call to follow him as we carry the Cross. In other words, when fear rises up in our hearts, we face it with faith, knowing that the Cross is not the end, but a doorway that leads to eternal life.
We stand before the Cross of Christ and acknowledge the darkness in our hearts. This is what inspired the love of God the Father to send his Son, to shine with heavenly light upon our world and free us from our sins.
As we hear how the plot is swirling around Jesus, events are set in motion that will lead to the Cross. May we reflect on God’s great love story for our salvation, making any adjustments and corrections for the day that we, too, will journey from this life to the next.
Every year we hear God’s great love story when we recall the Passion of Jesus. Rather than fall into the trap of forgetfulness, we remember what Christ has done for us so that we might be renewed to offer our lives for the Lord.
The high priest, Caiaphas, offers a prophetic insight: “It is better for you, that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” With these solemn words, we step into Holy Week.