Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ - Luke 22:14 - 23-56

The story we have just heard reveals both the worst and the best of the human spirit. The worst of the human spirit. The worst of the human spirit, the brutality of the absolute power of the Roman Empire, is there for all to see. Yet, as is often the way, the worst instincts of some drew forth the best instincts of others. It is above all Jesus who reveals the best of the human spirit in this hou. He dies as he lived, standing in loving solidarity with sinners, praying for those responsible for his death, promising paradise to a condemned criminal who turned to him for support.

These best instincts of human nature in the story we have heard can inspire us. We all struggle to forgive those who have hurt or damaged us, but, like Jesus, we may find it in us to pray for them asking God to forgive them. We can all be a Joseph of Arimathea to others, working to take the wounded body of Christ, our suffering sisters and brothers, off their crosses.

In the story of Jesus' passion and death, we not only hear the good news of the Lord's tremendous love for us, but we also hear the call to become that good news for others.