Franciscan Friar Fr. Paul Gallagher reflects on the Gospel readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion during this Holy Year.
The content is edited by Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Anne Marie Lom and Joe Thiel. The excerpts from the Sunday readings are prepared by Joe Thiel. To read or download the complete pdf with excerpts for your prayer, please click here:Franciscan Gospel Reflection April 13 2025. Excerpts are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Photo: A truly beautiful window in a welcoming parish community, St. Andrew Church, Rozellville, Wisconsin, Diocese of LaCrosse
Luke 22:14-23:56
When the hour came, Jesus 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.
“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, “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.” Then they said, “Lord, look, there are two swords here.” But he replied, “It is enough!”
Background:
Luke presents a consistent image of Jesus. The qualities that Jesus has exhibited throughout his life are the same qualities with which Jesus moves toward his death. In the second verse of the text, Jesus tells those who have gathered for this last meal together that he has eagerly desired to eat this meal with them. But this is no ideal model of a final banquet. In the course of the meal those gathered argue about who is the greatest, and Peter’s denial is predicted. From the beginning, Luke portrays Jesus as one who accepts the human imperfections and weaknesses of even his closest followers. On the Mount of Olives, Luke portrays Jesus as one who briefly wrestles with what lies before him, but quickly accepts the will of his Father. Jesus’ closest disciples are unable to endure in faith, and they betray him. Their behavior indicates that they have not internalized Jesus’ preaching and, as predicted, Peter denies his relationship with Jesus.
The one who will judge heaven and earth is led before the high priest, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod. Jesus does not challenge their authority. They bring charges against him that include being a revolutionary, forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar, claiming to be king, and claiming to be the Christ and the Son of God. In the process of being questioned about these charges, he is ridiculed, mocked, beaten, and flogged three different times. The crowds that greeted him and praised God as he entered Jerusalem now turn to anger and condemnation. Jesus for his part conducts himself with a sense of dignity and control. As he is being led to his crucifixion, Jesus ministers to women of Jerusalem and to one of the men being crucified with him.
When Jesus finally hands over his spirit to his Father, the centurion who witnessed what has happened declares, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” (Luke 23:47) Throughout his narrative, Luke reminds his audience of Jesus’ innocence. Three times Pilate states that he does not find Jesus guilty of the charges. “Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find this man not guilty.’ … 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.’… Pilate addressed them a third time, ‘what evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime…’” (Luke 23:4, 13-15, 22) One of those crucified with Jesus says to his companion, “we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” (Luke 23:41) Jesus’ prayer to His Father, that those who are crucifying Him be forgiven, is also a testament of Jesus’ innocence. (Luke 23:34) These reminders throughout the passion lead the reader to feel the truth of the centurion’s statement as Jesus gives up his life and darkness comes over the land. “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” (Luke 23:47b)
Some may be disturbed by the way that Jesus is so accepting of the will of his Father. However, in the culture of the day, when Jesus lived and when the Gospels were being written, an essential role of a Father was to discipline his son so that he would be able to deal with the hard life ahead in a harsh and cruel world. The discipline a father inflicted on his sons was both physical and social. The Gospels reflect the value of the culture in which they were written. In that culture, Jesus endures the harshest discipline imaginable and remains faithful to his Father, to his disciples, to his tradition, and to his mission. He is a faithful son of God.
Reflection Questions:
- How were you disciplined growing up?
- If you are a parent, have you intentionally changed how you discipline your children?
- What have been difficult and painful aspects of your life?
- How would you be a different person if you did not accept the difficult and painful parts of your life?
- Luke presents Jesus as an innocent victim. The disciples, religious and civil authorities, and the crowd all stand by and watch the innocent Jesus suffer tragically and be put to death. In Luke’s description, envision yourself actually being there among the crowd that is watching these events unfold from a distance. How do you find yourself responding to Jesus as the events of the passion unfold?
- Can you take time at each stage of the passion to pause to speak to Jesus? Can you tell him what you are experiencing as each event unfolds?
- Finally, place yourself at the foot of the cross and hear Jesus say, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” What do you want to say to those around you, to Jesus, and to the Father?
- If you are able, take some time to talk with God openly and honestly about your experience of praying with this Gospel.
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