This morning we are at the threshold of Holy Week. Jesus and some of his disciples are making their way to Jerusalem, the holy city, to celebrate the Passover. At the same time the officials of the Sanhedrin were discussing Jesus' growing power among the people and its potential for their ruination by the Roman authorities. These power brokers would certainly do much to change the power structure in Jerusalem if Jesus continued to bring so many to himself and his mission. So in session with the other leaders of the Jewish people, Caiaphas prophesied that Jesus would have to die for the good of the nation so that a divided and dispersed people would not be a reality.
As we begin Holy Week later this evening and throughout the days ahead let us remember and live a few particular thoughts: (1) Jesus was willing to suffer painfully and die; (2) he would reconcile each of us, sinners that we are, to God the Father; and (3) discipleship with Jesus is a costly reality. We are called to climb the Calvary hill with him not in this one week alone but every day of our lives; every time we find ourselves willing to fall victim to the temptations that are put before us.
How often have we had this thought: Jesus' "dying is our death" (Bp Morneau). We, as his disciples, are called to share in his death. But there is more. We are given an invitation to the new life guaranteed by his rising from the tomb of death.
We might ask ourselves "Does this terrible death have any genuine meaning in my life?" If it does, why is this so?
