Third Sunday of Easter (A)

April 26, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Acts 2: 14, 22-33

Psalm 16 “Lord, you will show us the path of life.”

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1: 17-21

Gospel reading according to Luke 24: 13-35

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Homily: On the Road to Emmaus

Is it time to go home, that the show was ended, as in the minds of two of Jesus' disciples? Nothing happened either?  They seemed to have lost in the game, so weak and exhausted the two of them who considered themselves disciples of Jesus. It seemed there was no more hope, no more life because their only hope was captured, tortured, crucified and now dead. They would have no more to be trusted, and they would continue to be enslaves to their own country at the hands of foreigners. “That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus′ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred” (Luke 24: 13-14).  As they walked back to their place of origin, to Emmaus, they were talking and would not forget the events that had happened just a few days ago, with sigh.   

Little did they notice that as they talked, they would speed up their steps as if they were chasing something, so they would not even notice that someone was following them and listening to what they were talking about.  “And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him” (Luke 24: 15-16).  Jesus came closer to the two but their eyes were prevented by the light of the setting sun so they did not recognize him.  He joined in their conversation.  “He asked them, ‵What are you discussing as you walk along?′  They stopped, looking downcast” (Luke 24: 17). He wanted to join in their discussion to know and to learn the minds and hearts of his trainees, whether they understood him or made it vague what he has done for them (for us).  What are you discussing as you walk along, is a question and an initial or beginning of entering into the heart and mind of the two trainees. It is also a theological inquiry to deepen their faith and belief in the resurrected Christ Jesus. But instead of starting the discussion, the two showed dismay, sadness, pessimistic, disappointment and disheartening – they looked at Jesus with downcast.

Cleopas, maybe husband of Mary Salome, cousin (or equivalent to sister) of Mary mother of Jesus, and one of the three Marys’ who went to the tomb early at dawn after the Sabbath where Jesus resurrected, asked Jesus with cynical tone. “One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, ‵Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that were taken place there in these days?”′ (Luke 24: 18).  It seemed and it was strange to him that all the people in Jerusalem knew what had happened there and because it was very special day for the Jews – the Passover Feast, except he (Jesus).  All present in Jerusalem in one way or another have heard if not witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus the Nazarene.  “And he replied to them, ‵What sort of things?′” (Luke 24: 19).   Jesus scrutinized the two if they truly did know what really happened in Jerusalem and its meaning.

They told to this strange man whom they did not recognize what they had experience.  “They said to him, ‵The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.  But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place.  Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.  Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see′.” (Luke 24: 19-24).  They told him what they knew about Jesus from Nazareth.  They considered him as a prophet and not as a Messiah or Savior.  That was all they knew about him. They have superficial knowledge of Jesus.  Then they connected right away the chief priests and elders in the Temple who arrested him, handed him over to Pontius Pilate and was given sentence of death on the Cross. Their hope about Jesus as a military and political king who will save Israel from the Romans was lost.  Then, they continued about the news brought by the women who came from the tomb and announced the resurrection of Jesus from the dead through the angels.  The Apostles Simon Peter and John went to the tomb and found the truth about the news of these women apostles to the Apostles, except the body of Jesus they did not see.  But above all, they did not believe to all the news they heard, witnessed and experienced, that’s why they went home, without hope, without life, as if they were losers.

Jesus as true Master, Teacher and Leader, he easily saw the weaknesses and limitations of the understanding of his disciples.  He wanted to re-direct their thoughts with regards to what really happened before the Sabbath day were Jesus was crucified and died on the cross.  “And he said to them, ‵Oh, how foolish you are!  How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?′ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24: 25-27).  He traced and recited the scripture from the prophet Moses, and all the prophets up to John the Baptizer with regards to the suffering Messiah, the lamb of God to be slaughtered and offered in the altar of the Cross for the remission if not totally eliminate the sins of the world.  Everything that referred to him in the Scriptures, he explained to them to make clearer for them the meaning of his passion, crucifixion, death and resurrection, sooner his ascension to heaven and his glorification.  

When they reached their village, Jesus intending to continue his journey in the end of the town of Emmaus.  But the two men suggested to stay in their home for it was getting dark and it was almost night.  The road is dangerous, ether there are bandits or the Roman soldiers are roaming and guarding the town or the terrain is difficult to pass because it is rough.  “As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther.  But they urged him, ‵Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over′.  So he went in to stay with them” (Luke 24: 28-29).  So, Jesus accepted their invitation.  He stayed to one of the houses of the two trainees. And, during suffer, while they were at table, Jesus acting as the host of the house say the blessing for the food.  They have bread, dried fish and a bottle of wine for their dinner.  “And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.  With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight” (Luke 24: 30-31).  He did the Eucharistic meal by taking the bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it them to his disciples.  They witnessed again what he did to the five loaves of bread and fish in the plain when he multiplied the bread and five thousand men (excluding women and children) were able to eat and satisfied, in their presence.  When suddenly, little by little their eyes, minds and hearts were opening.  Little by little they understood everything in words (Scriptures) and in action (breaking of the bread).  But when they were totally aware of the presence of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ, he was already disappeared in their presence, but the warmth of his presence they can still feel, and taste, and sense.  Their hearts were burning.  “Then they said to each other, ‵Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?′ So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying,  ‵The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!′” (Luke 24: 32-34).  That was the effect of meeting the risen Lord, our hearts are burning with love.  Despite it was already evening, and Jerusalem is seven miles from Emmaus, the two disciples decided to go back to Jerusalem and tell everything they experience in the presence of the risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for their hearts and minds understood now everything and they believed now to Jesus Christ.  While the Apostles and disciples in Jerusalem told them also that Jesus appeared to Simon Pester and to some selected disciples alive.  The Lord is risen from the dead, as they now believe and accepted it as true.

The two disciples from Emmaus testified also to the Apostles and disciples that Jesus appeared to them, joined them in the discussion about the suffering Messiah by explaining the Scriptures from the Books of the Prophets, joined them in the evening meal (supper), and recognized him in the breaking of the bread, and suddenly disappeared in their presence.  “Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24: 35).  They told the story with burning hearts, with enthusiasm, opened their minds with understanding and love.  It is time to go back to Jesus, the life of holiness must go on; Jesus won his enemy – sin and death.  We too won the victory of Jesus against our sins and the sins of the world, these are the things that happened, and the death of Jesus was not a waste but a triumph for us. The resurrection of Jesus gives us again hopes and life to continue believing in him, through him and with him, in spite of many problems, difficulties, tribulations, pandemic viruses, etc., now and forever.  Amen.

Second Sunday of Easter (A)

Divine Mercy Sunday

April 19, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Acts 2: 42-47

Psalm 118 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love is everlasting.”

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1: 3-9

Gospel reading according to John 20: 19-31

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Homily: Peace be with you!

The following day, after Sabbath, the first day of the week, Jesus resurrected from the dead.  In the evening of that day, Jesus appeared his self to his disciples in their hiding place, most probably in the Upper Room, for no Jews knew that place. “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‵Peace be with you′.” (John 20: 19).  It was evening when Jesus appeared to his disciples.  This is significant, for the disciples were still in the process of believing.  Some of them did not yet accept what Jesus and even the scripture said with regards to the resurrection of the Messiah (or Chrst).  Others still groping in the dark, with fear in their hearts and minds.  Suddenly, Jesus came in even the doors were locked, he just penetrated in the wooden doors and passed through it.  All the people in that place were surprised to see the Lord.  To remove their fears he greeted them with peace.  “Peace be with you!”  It is as if Jesus was saying to them, do not worry, I won the death or do not worry I have forgiven your sins.  It is time to move on.

Their unbelief was changed of belief when they saw the risen Lord.  After saying “peace” to them he showed his hands, side and feet.  “When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.  The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord” (John 20: 20).  The marks of the nails were still in his hands and feet, and the side was still opened with wound.  He showed his wounds so that they became convince of his resurrection.  Thus, after seeing his wounds the disciples rejoiced and starting to believe.  To make sure that the disciples understood what really happened, Jesus repeated his greetings.  “Jesus said to them again, ‵Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, so I send you′.” (John 20: 21).  “Peace be with you,” is coupled with responsibilities.  He is now sending his disciples to the ends of the earth in proclaiming the good news of the love of God and the forgiveness of their sins.  Jesus is the model of the disciples in proclaiming the good news, when he was sent by God to all people.  The disciples have now archetypal and example to follow in going out and proclaiming the gospel.  They also received from Jesus strength and courage in performing their proclamation, by breathing them and sharing with them the Holy Spirit.  He breathe on them the Spirit of forgiveness.  “And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‵Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained′.” (John 20: 22-23).  When they go throughout the world, they proclaim the forgiveness of sins.  Those who repented their sins will be forgiven but those who do not repent, will not be forgiven and retain to themselves their sin.

It so happened that one of his disciples, whose name was Thomas, was not with the other disciples.  Maybe he was hiding in different place when Jesus appeared in the Upper Room.  “Thomas, called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came” (John 20: 24).  Thomas was not with the rest of the disciples when Jesus appeared.  When the other disciples found Thomas they told him the appearance of Jesus, that Jesus is alive!  “So the other disciples said to him, ‵We have seen the Lord.′ But he said to them, ‵Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe′.” (John 20: 25).  But, Thomas did not believe them.  He said to see is to believe.  He will not believe what they were saying unless he sees by himself with his own eyes, he sees the hands, side and feet of Jesus marked with nails and of the soldier′s lance.

Two weeks have passed and now Thomas was with the rest of the disciples in the Upper Room.  “Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them.  Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, ‵Peace be with you′.” (John 20: 26).  Jesus appeared once more to his disciples despite the doors were locked.  He once more greeted them with his “peace,” he gives peace of mind and heart, a sure guarantee of forgiveness and of love and understanding.  His peace brings back his good and harmonious relationship with his disciples.  After giving them his peace, he faced the doubting Thomas. “Then he said to Thomas, ‵Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe′.” (John 20: 27).  He talked and failsafe to Thomas that he was really alive with flesh and bones, and not a ghost or spirit.  He also invited him to touch with his finger his wounded hands and to put his hand on his side. He told him to get rid of his doubt rather believe on him alive. “Thomas answered and said to him, ‵My Lord and my God′!” (John 20: 28).  After putting his finger to the hands marked with nails and his hand on the side of Jesus he believed, and unreservedly said “My Lord and my God.” He now believe for he saw personally the risen Jesus and was able to touch his wounds.  “Jesus said to him, ‵Have you come to believe because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed′.” (John 20: 29).  But Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believe.”  This was Jesus’s revelation of the future disciples and followers of him.   We, his new disciples and followers, who do not see nor witness the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ but we believe and continue believing in him that truly he raised from the death and now lives forever and remains with us until the end of time.

While Jesus was with his disciples, he made many things that could help his disciples in preparation for their mission when the time of sending them into the whole world comes.  “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book.  But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name” (John 20: 30-31).  Many disciples came to believe in him.  They recognized Jesus, Lord and Savior as the Christ, the Messiah or the anointed One, the Son of the living God, who was sent to preach the good news of the loving Father, and to share the gifts of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.  Amen.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

April 12, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Acts 10: 3a, 37-43

Psalm 118 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 1-4 (or 1 Corinthians 5: 6b-8)

Gospel reading according to John 20: 1-9

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Homily: Empty Tomb and the burial cloths

As early as the first day of the week, after Sabbath, Mary Magdalene was running, and sometimes sneaking in the dark, so that nobody can recognized her or saw her, going to the tomb where Jesus was buried.  “On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb” (John 20: 1).  It was still dark and yet she came to the burial place and saw the stone that covered the tomb was rolled up and removed.

In trembling fear and worry that something happened to the body of Jesus, she ran to the place where Simon Peter and the beloved disciple John were hiding, and told what she discovered.  “So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, ‵They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him′.” (John 20: 2).  She told them that somebody took the body of Jesus and put him in hiding place. Maybe Mary Magdalene heard this fake news spread by the chief priests and elders that the disciples of him took his body and spread the news that he was resurrected.  But now, with courage to face the Jews who were looking for them and with enthusiasm of the news brought by Mary, their fear was gone and they came out to where they were hiding.  “So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.  They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first, he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in” (John 20: 3-5).  Peter and John run towards the tomb, and John because he was still young run faster than Peter and reached the tomb but did not enter into it for the respect to Peter their leader.  He just peeped in and bent down and saw the burial cloths there but did not enter.  And when Peter arrived in the place where Jesus was buried, he entered immediately.  “When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place” (John 20: 6-7).  He saw the burial cloths folded and arranged in its place, even the head cover was folded property and arranged and place in a separate location.

Afterwards, the beloved disciple John entered the tomb and saw everything and believed. “Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed” (John 20: 8).  John, after seeing the empty tomb and how the burial cloths and head cover were arranged properly in two separate places, though no one who would steal the body of Jesus has time to arrange the burial cloths and head covering.  John believed that truly Jesus was resurrected from the dead.  “For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead” (John 20: 9).  Now, more than ever, they believed in the scripture and what the scripture said about the resurrection of the Messiah, of Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)

April 11, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Genesis 1: 1, 26-31a

Psalm 104 “Lord, send out your Sprit, and renew the face of the earth.”

Second Reading: Genesis 22: 1-18

Gospel reading according to Matthew 28: 1-10

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Homily: Jesus is risen from the dead

The Sabbath and the Passover Seder were finished, but what happened in the Upper Room, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the arrest and interrogation of the chief priests and elders to Jesus, the presentation of Jesus to Pontius Pirate, the riot of the Jews between Barabbas and Jesus, the carrying of the cross, the crucifixion and death of Jesus, all of this is still vivid in the minds and hearts of the men and women disciples of Jesus.  They were afraid to the Jews that they may follow in persecution of the Jews and so they were hiding.   But a new day is dawned.  “After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb” (Matthew 28: 1).  Sneaking in the dark of the dawn, Mary of Magdala and other Marys’ were in a hurry to go to the tomb where Jesus was buried, at the very early hour in the morning, so that nobody can see them; it was still dawn.  Most probably one of the Marys’ mentioned was Mary of Bethany who has remaining perfumed oil made of aromatic nard that left when she anointed the feet of Jesus and now to anoint the whole body of Jesus.  Since it was Sabbath when Jesus died, they were not able to anoint the whole body of Jesus before he was buried.  So this early morning they will perform the anointing.   

They have not reached yet the tomb when suddenly there was a great earthquake.  “And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.  His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow” (Matthew 28: 2-3). An angel of God descended from heaven who caused the earthquake; he came to the tomb and rolled back the stone that covered the tomb, and sat down upon it.  His appearance was radiantly white and his clothes as white as snow.

Even the soldiers who were guarding the tomb fell down and shaken and became dreadful of that great earthquake. As they fell down they were as if struck dead.  “The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men” (Matthew 28: 4).  They were unable to move their bodies and did not know what to do or say.  They were terrified of what they experienced and saw.

The angel of the Lord talked to the women, for they were afraid of what was happening.  They did not expect to see an angel of the Lord at that moment.  “Then the angel said to the women in reply, ‵Do not be afraid!  I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.  He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‵He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.′ Behold, I have told you′.” (Matthew 28: 5-7).  The angel announced to them that Jesus was no longer held by the tomb, for he was resurrected from the dead.  He even told them to see the inside of the tomb where he was laid.  He commissioned them to tell his disciples of what they witnessed and to tell them the good news of the resurrection of Jesus.  Also, he told them to tell his disciples that they will meet him in Galilee where he started calling them to become fishers of men and women.  In Galilee, they will see him there alive.

After they saw the empty tomb, they were about to look for the disciples in their hiding places to tell what the angel told them.   “Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples” (Matthew 28: 8).  They were fearful but overcame with joy to what they were witnessed.  They also became apostles to the Apostles in bringing the good news of the resurrection from the dead of Jesus their Master and Lord.

Along the way, they met the resurrected Christ Jesus.  They were full of joy when they met Jesus alive.  While Jesus greeted them of Easter greeting.  “And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.  They approached, embraced his feet and did him homage.  Then Jesus said to them, ‵Do not be afraid.  Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me′.” (Matthew 28: 9-10).  Because of unexpressed happiness and joy, they embraced Jesus’s feet and gave him homage.  And again, Jesus repeated the message of the angel for his disciples that they should go to Galilee, there they will see him.

Good Friday

April 10, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 52: 13 - 53: 12

Psalm 31 “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Second Reading: Hebrew 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9

Gospel reading according to John 18: 1 – 19: 42

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Homily: Mary, the mother of Jesus, Standing by the Cross of Jesus

With the crowds, Mary, the mother of Jesus accompanied by Mary Salome wife of Clopas and Mary of Magdala, followed her son until the Calvary.  And when Jesus was already crucified on the cross, Mary came forward with other Marys’.  We cannot described the feelings and emotions, agonies, loneliness and pains of a mother endured whose son she saw was crucified on the Cross and about to die.  Her heart is broken into pieces, her whole being too was crucified with her son.    “. . . Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala” (John 18: 25).  Though we do not see or recognize in the face of Mary the pain and sorrow, but all of this she kept in her heart silently and surrendering everything to God.  She stood strong and firm in front of the Cross of her son.  This also proven the obedience of Mary to the will of God.  She accepted the fate of her son.  There was no regret that she raised her son according to will of God, his Father.

Jesus, on the one hand, cannot totally abandoned his mother alone.  As a widow and now is about losing a son is the worse condition of a mother and or a woman in her community and society.  When he saw his mother in her condition, his merciful and compassionate heart was moved with kindness.  And on the other hand, he cannot assumed that he is losing a best friend and disciple whom he loved.  Both mother and disciple longed to stay their son and loved one.  “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‵Woman, behold your son.′ Then he said to the disciple, ‵Behold your mother.′ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 18: 26-27).  (Hindi maatim ni Jesus na iiwan na niya ang kanyang nanay at pinaka-mamahal na disipulo.)  Jesus could not bear the thought of leaving his mother and most beloved disciple.  So, Jesus entrusted his mother Mary to his disciple John, and John, the most beloved disciple, was entrusted to his mother Mary. Jesus said, “Woman, behold your son,” and to his disciple, “Behold your mother.”  There is no greater love than this, when you entrusted your loved one to whom you loved and trusted. Now Jesus had nothing to worry about and was ready to leave behind his mother for he knew that she is in good hands. This also proves that Jesus has no brothers or sisters for he will not entrust his mother Mary to John if he has other brothers and sisters.

The time has come.  Jesus still aware that every detail in the scripture must be fulfilled and he has to fulfil it until the end.  “After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‵I thirst.′  There was a vessel filled with common wine.  So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.  When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, ‵It is finished.′  And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.” (John 18: 28-30).  Jesus said, “I thirst.”  This thirst is not thirst of water, or wine or drink; he thirsts for the love of sinners, their repentance, their amendment of their lives, of the change of their hearts, and returning back to God their Father.  He longed to see that many will change their attitudes towards others, their relation to their neighbors, especially those who are poor, needy, oppressed, marginalized, and excluded in society and in the community.  After tasting the wine and saying “it is finished,” he breathed his last and he died.  He returned to his God and Father.

(Here all kneel and pause for a short time.)

The Sabbath is coming, and they have to prepare the Passover meal, so they hurried the death of those crucified.  To do this, some of the Jews went to Pontius Pilate and asked permission in breaking the legs of those crucified.  They came first to Gestas and broke his legs;  them to Dismas and also broke his legs  “Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for the Sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down.  So the solders came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.  But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” (John 18: 31-34). Last, they came to Jesus, but when they found him already dead, theyy did not break his legs, as scripture says, “No bones will be broken.”  But one of the soldier, to see whether he was still alive or already dead thrust his lance at the side and blood and water flowed abundantly.

Holy Thursday

April 9, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14

Psalm 116 “Our blessing cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.”

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26

Gospel reading according to John 13: 1-15

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Homily: Washing of the Feet

Before the feast of the Passover meal began, Jesus knew already that his hour is running out and it is about to come his approaching death (napipintong kamatayan).  He is about to be handed over to the powerful authorities, leaders and elders of the Jews from the temple.   “Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father.  He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end” (John 13: 1).  He really and truly knew that he came from God the Father so it is time to go back to God his Father.  In spite he loved his Apostles, (including Judas), his disciples and other followers who are still in the world, his own, he has to leave them to obey the will of his Father.  Up until the end of his life, he loved us, whom he called to his own.

But Satan, the father of lies, won over Judas in betraying his Rabbi, Teacher and Master, Jesus the Christ.  “The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over” (John 13: 2).  Judas already saw, met and talked with the authorities in the temple; he already received the money as price of the death of Jesus, and now he is looking and finding ways on how to capture Jesus to hand him over to the chief priests and elders.

While at supper, despite he knew what will happen to him this night still he was able to compose his self, calm down himself, and perform his last duty – washing the feet of his disciples.  In it, in washing of the feet, he introduced the ordination of priesthood as servant of all, and the institution of the Holy Eucharist, in remembrance of him.  At the Lord′s Supper, we commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of the Holy Order.  It was at this that Jesus changed bread and wine into his Body and Blood.  He then directed his disciples to carry out this same ritual: “Do this in remembrance of me.”   “So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.  He took a towel and tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into basin and began to wash the disciples′ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist” (John 13: 3-4).  Suddenly, though the meal was not yet over, he rose from where he was reclining, removed the outer garments, took a towel and tied it in his waist, poured water in the basin, and he came to his disciples one by one he washed their feet and dried with towel on his waist.

Here comes again the aggressive, initiator, who does not think twice, padalus-dalos, Peter.  When he saw what Jesus was doing and his feet are about to be washed, he strongly reacted to Jesus and rejecting Jesus′ washing of his feet.  “He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‵Master are you going to wash my feet?′  Jesus answered and said to him, ‵What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.′  Peter said to him, ‵You will never wash my feet.′ Jesus answered him, ‵Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me′.”  (John 13: 6-8).  Here he told Peter that for the meantime he will not understand what is the meaning of washing of the feet, but later when everyone′ feet was already washed he will explain to them the meaning of it.  Also, he told Peter that if he will not wash his feet he has no inheritance from him.  He will not receive the Reign-Kingdom of God he prepared for them.

Here comes again Peter, he over-reacted to what he heard from Jesus about no inheritance if he will not wash his feet.  “Simon Peter said to him, ‵Master, then not on my feet,  my hands and head as well.′  Jesus said to him, ‵Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over, so you are clean, but not all.′  (John 13: 9-10).  Instead only his feet to be washed he included his hands and his head, (napaka-drama nitong taong ito).  But Jesus said he has took a bath he has n longer needs to wash, except his feet for he is already clean.  He added, but not all of them are clean.  “For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, ‵Not all of you are clean′.′” (John 13: 11).  Maybe Judas was still around with them when Jesus washed the feet, for he said, “not all is clean.”  He was referring to Judas. 

After washing his disciples′ feet, Jesus put on his garments, place in one corner the towel and basin, and returned to the table.  Now is the time to explain to them the meaning of washing of the feet he had performed.  “So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, ‵Do you realize what I have done for you?  You call me ‵teacher′ and ‵master,′ and rightly so, for indeed I am.  If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet′.” (John 13: 12-14).  As their “Teacher” and “Master,” Jesus washing their feet, which is only the slave does the washing of his master′s feet, he gives an example to them of humility and simplicity in rendering service to one another, to their friends and neighbors.  “‵I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do′.” (John 13: 15).  Jesus is our model and example and exemplar in humility, sincerity, poverty, simplicity, and obedience in giving services and love to the others, by washing others′ feet.

Wednesday of Holy Week

April 8, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-9a

Psalm 69 “Lord, in your great love answer me.”

Gospel reading according to Matthew 26: 14-25

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Homily: Betrayal of Judas

Judas Iscariot, before everything happened in the Upper Room and before the Passover meal, went and set meeting already to the chief priests and eiders in the temple to sell and betray Jesus, and settle on how they can arrest him.  “One of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and said, ‵What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?′  They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over” (Matthew 26: 14-16).  He asked them the price he will receive if he handed him over to them.  Immediately, without a second and or a minute they gave him thirty pieces of silver, without other question because they are much willing to arrest and put to death Jesus; that is the price of Jesus′ blood. 

On the occasion of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, Jesus was approached by some of his disciples where to celebrate the feast so that they can prepare and set the table.  He commanded those disciples to go to the city and find a man with whom he talked already about the use of his house for the celebration of the Passover feast exclusively for him and his disciples.  “On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, ‵Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?′  He said, ‵Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, The teacher says, ‵My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.′  The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover” (Matthew 26: 17-19).  The disciples went in the city, found the friend of Jesus who own a house to be used for the said celebration.  It was in the upper room (or cenacle).

While they were gathering at the table to feast the unleavened bread, Jesus, with heavy heart revealed to his disciples the betrayal he will endure in the hands of one of them.  “When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve.  And while they were eating, he said, ‵Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.′  Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, ‵Surely it is not I, Lord?′  He said in reply, ‵He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.  The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born‵.” (Matthew 26: 20-24).  The disciples also felt the heaviness of Jesus′ heart and his worries and sadness, for one of his trusted friends will betray him.  So, one by one asked Jesus if he was the one.  He only showed a sign who he was, the one who will dip his hand into the dish he has will be the one.  Jesus also said a premonition about the coming condition of the one who will betray him, “it would be better for that man if he had never been born.”

Judas pretending he did not know who it was and as if he did not know what he did before, had a courage to ask Jesus if he was the one.  “Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, ‵Surety it is not I, Rabbi?′  He answered, ‵You have said so′.” (Matthew 26: 25).  Jesus knew everything, for it was already revealed to him by God his Father what will happen and how it will happen, and so Judas dipped his hand with the dish Jesus had.

Tuesday of Holy Week

April 7, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-6

Psalm 71 “I will sing of your salvation.”

Gospel reading according to John 13: 21-33, 36-38

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Homily: Judas′s betrayal and Peter′s denial

During the Passover meal, Jesus and his disciples were at the Upper Room (Cenacle) eating their last supper, for tonight Jesus will be betrayed by Judas Iscariot by handing him over to the chief priests and the elders.  “Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, ‵Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me′.” (John 13: 21).  Jesus was very much troubled and worried, for the hour has come for him to be delivered to his passion and suffering, crucifixion and death.  He knew well who will betray him.

Jesus wanted to know by his disciples that something will happen tonight.  One of them will betray him.  Everybody was confused and questioning each other by mere action and facial expression, without any verbal or oral questioning.  John, the beloved disciple of Jesus was reclining at Jesus′ side, when Simon Peter made a sign with him, as if he was saying to him to ask the Master who he was.  “One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus′ side.  So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.  He leaned back against Jesus′ chest and said to him, ‵Master, who is it?′ Jesus answered, ‵It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it′.  So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot” (John 13: 23-26).  John who leaned back at Jesus′ chest asked him who will betray him.  Without any further ado, he said that the one whom he has given a morsel bread dipped in wine was the one.  He dipped the morsel to wine and gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.

Judas accepted and received it for he knew that Jesus was referring to him who will betray him. “After he took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, ‵What you are going to do, do quickly′.  So he took the morsel and left at once.  And it was night” (John 13: 27, 30).  After receiving and eating it, Satan entered to him and he became courageous to perform his plan of selling Jesus to the Jewish leaders in the Temple. He has no remorse nor was afraid to do what he planned.  So, Jesus told him to proceed to what he should do and do it immediately.  And it was dark night, so morbid, so melancholic, so dangerous night for Jesus as well as for Judas.

But instead to be sad and lonely, gloomy and unhappy, Jesus experienced joy and happiness, success and glory, as if he already won the battle.  “When he had left, Jesus said, ‵Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once′.” (John 13: 31-32).  After Judas left, Jesus revealed to his disciples the glory he will receive when everything takes its place.  That he will give glory to God his Father if everything is fulfilled according to his plan, at the same time God will give glory to Jesus for being obedient to his will.

Jesus sincerely talked to his disciples.  He is leaving them.  He has few hours to be with them.  “‵My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.  You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‵Where I go you cannot come,′ so now I say to you‵.” (John 13: 33).  He repeated what he said to the Jews to them, that where he is going they cannot come.  Now, this time Simon Peter have couraged to ask Jesus where he is going.  “Simon Peter said to him, ‵Master, where are you going?′ Jesus answered him, ‵Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.′ Peter said to him, ‵Master, why can’t I follow you now?  I will lay down my life for you.′ Jesus answered, ‵Will you lay down your life for me?  Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times′.” (John 13: 36-38). Jesus said to him that he cannot follow him wherever he goes, but he said also to him that later he will follow him.  But Simon Peter, with his constant initiative and so act first, (laging nangunguna at pinangungunahan), that he will offer his life and even lay down his life first before something happens to Jesus.  But Jesus knew the capacity of Simon Peter, he knew him through and through, so he said to him, that before the cock crows he will deny him three times.

Monday of Holy Week

April 6, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-7

Psalm 27 “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

Gospel reading according to John 12: 1-11

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Homily: Anointing of Jesus′ feet

Jesus once again went to Bethany, to the house of his beloved friends Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, to attend to the forthcoming feast of the Passover to be held soon within six days.  “Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  They gave a dinner for him, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him” (John 12: 1-2).  Jesus usually stayed at the house of the family of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, his family friends when he has something to do in Judea and in particular in attending feasts in the Temple in Jerusalem because its nearness to it.  He can rest there without any worries and disturbances.  Lazarus was also the one whom Jesus raised from the dead after four days he was in the tomb and buried in a cave.  The brother and sisters were happy to see Jesus again.  So they gave a banquet in honor of Jesus, their special guest and friend.  As usual, Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing food, while Mary was in her room looking for something.  When she found it, she immediately went out of her room and came to Jesus. 

Mary brought with her an expensive perfumed oil made from genuine nard.  “Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil” (John 12: 3). Mary poured some of it to Jesus′ feet.  Even in a small amount the whole house was filled with its fragrance.  Mary was not contended only n pouring perfume to Jesus′ feet, she exposed herself to the men surrounding the reception area by wiping the feet of Jesus using her black, long and straight hair like a towel.  

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus′ disciples, was lamenting and wishful (nanghihinayang) of the expensive perfume just wanted. “Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, ‵Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days′ wages and given to the poor?′ He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions” (John 12: 4-6).  Judas cannot believed that an expensive perfume be wasted just like that at the feet of Jesus.  He even suggested the remaining perfume be sold for three hundred days wages, that′s the equivalent amount of the perfumed oil, also equivalent to thirty pieces of silver with whom Jesus was betrayed, sold and handed over to the chief priests and elders. He suggested also that the proceed of the sale of the perfume oil be given to the poor, but in reality he wanted to take some amount for himself.  As procurator of the group, one who holds the money, he often steal some from the collections.

Then, Jesus scolded Judas for his bad intention and suggestion.   “So Jesus said, ‵Leave her alone.  Let her keep this for the day of my burial.  You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me′.” (John 12: 7-8).  He told Judas to leave Mary in her doing in preparation for his coming death and burial.  He also said to Judas that let Mary keep what remains in the perfumed oil for his embalmment of his burial when he dies.  He even revealed to Judas the reality of the poor.  There are always poor throughout the whole world and in every age as long as there are abusive, corrupt, thieves in the society and in the government.  The poor remain but Jesus will soon be leaving and going back to his and our God and Father to the place where he came from – Heaven.

When the people heard that Jesus came and he was in Bethany, in the house of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, they hurriedly came to see him as well as to see Lazarus who was raised by Jesus from the dead.  They would get the news or gossip (makikiiusyoso sila).  “The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead” (John 12: 9). Aside from Jesus they would like also to see and to know Lazarus for they received a news that he was dead and was brought back to life, they wanted to see the proof of this miracle that already happened before to a young boy of a son of a widow, and to the daughter of Jairus.

While the chief priests and the elders who were very jealous and envy with Jesus for many Jews were following him and leaving the temple and synagogues, their religion were planning on how to kill Jesus so that they can bring back many Jews in their fold.  “And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him” (John 12: 10-11).  Not only Jesus they were plotting to kill but even Lazarus they wanted to kill for he was the living witness of Jesus′ miracle and God′s works of mercy, love and compassion. 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (A)

April 5, 2020

Readings:

First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-7

Psalm 22 “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Second Reading: Philippians 2: 6-11

Gospel reading according to Matthew 27: 11-54

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Homily: The Crucifixion

Jesus was brought by the chief priests and elders to Pontius Pilate, the governor during that year, to accuse Jesus.  “Jesus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, ‵Are you the king of the Jews?′ Jesus said, ‵You say so′.” (Matthew 27: 11).  One of the accusations against Jesus was that he claimed to himself that he is King of the Jews.  While the chief priests and the elders had many accusations to pin down and or hold down Jesus.  “And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer” (Matthew 27: 12).  But in all these accusations, Jesus remained silent.  He did not say anything nor defend himself against these malicious accusations.  But Pilate wanted to hear his defense and his answers against these malice.  “Then Pilate said to him, ‵Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?′ But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed” (Matthew 27: 13-14).  He wanted to squeeze Jesus in questioning him to reveal the truth.  But instead of giving in to Pontius Plate caprice, he continued keeping quiet. 

Every Passover Feast in Jerusalem, it was became the habit of the governor and procurator, Pontus Pilate, to free one prisoner whom the crowd decided to release.  One of those prisoners was Barabbas, a notorious thief and outlaw. “Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished.  And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.  So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, ‵Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?‵  For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over” (Matthew 27: 15-18).  Pilate presented to the crowd two prisoners, one was Jesus the Christ and the other one was Barabbas.  Pilate learned the intention of the chief priests and elders, it was due to envy that was why they would like to eliminate and kill Jesus.

The wife of Pilate had a difficult sleep and terrible dream with regards to the righteous man, Jesus, whom Pilate is about the judge and give him verdict.   “While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, ‵Have nothing to do with that righteous man.  I suffered much in a dream today because of him′.”  (Matthew 27: 19). So she sent a message to Pilate while the hearing was still going on.  In her message (whether written or verbal) she said that, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man.  I suffered much in a dream today because of him,” which Pilate did not heed, because he was afraid with the chief priests and the elders as well as in the crowd.

To set Barabbas free instead of Jesus, the chief priests and elders persuaded and most probably gave some money to the crowds to choose Barabbas.  “The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus” (Matthew 27: 20).  Truly the chief priests and elders wanted to destroy Jesus by bribing the people.  They were able to persuade the people because of their influences and mostly of the crowds were afraid also with these powerful elite in the temple.

To make sure, Pilate repeated his request, whom among these two they would like to be released.  “The governor said to them in reply, ‵Which of the two do you want me to release to you?′  They answered, ‵Barabbas!′  Pilate said to them, ‵Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?′  They all said, ‵Let him be crucified!′  But he said, ‵Why?  What evil has he done?′  They only shouted the louder, ‵Let him be crucified!′  When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd saying, ‵I am innocent of this man’s blood.  Look to it yourselves.′ And the whole people said in reply, ‵His blood be upon us and upon our children′.”  (Matthew 27: 21-25).  They chose Barabbas, the outlaw, thief, criminal, and murderer instead of the teacher, the prophet, the miracle worker, healer, one who forgives sin, and one who feeds thousands, one who raises dead to life, and one who gives life. Pilate to excuse his self, washed his hands as a sign of indifference (walang pakialam) and cowardice despite he was the one who gave the verdict.  He can save the life of Jesus, if he wills.  But the crowd, they took to themselves and to their children the blood of the innocent.   “Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified” (Matthew 27: 26).  He released the evil, and put to death the good and giver of life.

The Roman soldiers or Pontius Pilate′s soldiers, made fun of Jesus.  “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him.  They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand.  And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‵Hail, King of the Jews′!  They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking on his head.  And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him” (Matthew 27: 27-31). After scourging him at the pillar, he was stripped naked and put a scarlet military cloak, made crown of thorns and put it on his head until it bled, a reed, like a scepter, was placed in his right hand, and mockingly they hailed him as a king while spitting and striking his head.  After all these pain, suffering, humiliation, abuses, and all kinds of punishment of which he did not deserve, they led him to crucifixion. 

A man from Cyrene named Simon was there watching the carrying of the cross of Jesus, with mixed emotions.  He did not expect that he was chosen to help in carrying the cross of Jesus. “As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross” (Matthew 27: 32).  The parade of Jesus Christ crucifixion was halted for Jesus was already tired and could not walked any further, so when a soldier saw a man, husky and strong, he was pressed into service to carry the cross which he accepted with his whole heart up until they reached the place of crucifixion.

The place of Calvary where Jesus to be crucified was in a mountain called during those days as Golgotha or the Place of Skull.  It is believed that Adam’s body was buried there.  “And when they came to a place called Golgotha – which means Place of the Skull – , they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall.  But when he tasted it, he refused to drink” (Matthew 27: 33-34).  When they reached the place and Jesus was exhausted, one of the soldiers felt (in his opinion) that Jesus needed something to sooth the pain of the wounds in his body, decided to give Jesus wine to drink with gall to ease the pains.  But when he tasted the wine with gall he refused to drink it.  He was ready to endure the pains of crucifixion for the salvation of many.

They crucified Jesus.  While he was nailed hanging on the wood of the Cross, they divided his garment and gambled it.  “After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there” (Matthew 27: 35-36).  The soldiers sat down, casting lots of his garment while keeping watch of him. 

To complete the game they played, the soldiers of the governor put the written charge against Jesus.  “And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” (Matthew 27: 37).  They placed at the top of the cross a small piece of wood and in it was written in three languages, Latin, Hebrew and Greek, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews,” so that everybody can read the charge against Jesus.

Two men also were crucified with him, they were revolutionaries who fought against the Romans, while others said that, they were thieves.  “Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left” (Matthew 27: 38). The two men were traditionally known as Gestas and Dimas.

In this part, Jesus was tempted again by Satan in the form of passersby, the chief priests, scribes and elders, and the two thieves or revolutionaries who were also crucified with him.  “Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, ‵You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!′  Likewise the chief priests with the scribes  and elders mocked him and said, ‵He saved others; he cannot save himself.  So he is the king of Israel!  Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him.  For he said, I am the Son of God.′ The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way” (Matthew 27: 39-44).  The three temptations of Satan in the wilderness (desert) after his baptism by John and before his ministry, Jesus once again visited by Satan to tempt him, using again the words, “If you are the Son of God,.” but by this time Jesus was tempted to come down from the cross where he was nailed to show his self-satisfaction, pride and power.

He was hanging on the cross from noon until three in the afternoon.   And the whole place was covered with darkness.  “From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.  And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‵Eli, Eli, sabachthani?′ which means, ‵My God, my God, why have you forsaken me′?” (Matthew 27: 45-46).  At three o’clock, according to Matthew, Jesus prayed the Psalm to his Father, “Eli, Eli, sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  It is an opening words of Psalms 22:2.  Jesus in the face of death was singing a psalm of confidence, trust and of love to the One who sent him (God the Almighty).  Yet the bystanders, the chief priests, scribes and elders and even the Roman soldiers of the governor were perplexed and confused to what Jesus was saying.  They did not realize that he was praying or singing to God his Father in his native tongue or language, which is Aramaic.  Was he hallucinating, delirious, fantasizing and high?  But they were saying that he was calling for Elijah’s help.   “Some of the bystanders who heard it said, ‵This one is calling for Elijah.′ Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink.  But the rest said, ‵Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him′.” (Matthew 27: 47-49).  One of them hurriedly took a sponge and soaked it to wine to let Jesus drink it to regain his consciousness.  But he was stopped by others saying to wait and see if Elijah will come to save him.

Jesus breathed his last and he died. “But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit” (Matthew 27: 50).  He gave up his spirit to God who sent him to fulfill what the angel of the Lord foretold to his mother, Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end” (Lk. 1: 31-33).  While Zechariah, John′s father, made a prophecy with regards of the coming of the Son of God and his ministry, ^“His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.  He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he said through his holy prophets of long ago, salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days” (Lk. 1: 67-75).

(Here all kneel and pause for a short time)

The power of his death was manifested. “And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom.  The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.  And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many” (Matthew 27: 51-53).  The veil of the sanctuary that covered the holy of holies was torn at the middle from top to bottom.  Even the earth was awaken by shaking it strongly, vigorously and forcefully, and the rocks were split.  The tombs of the dead were opened and bodies rose from deep sleep and resurrected after he was lifted up to heaven.  The risen bodies of the dead were seen by many, especially their relatives.

The centurion and the rest of the soldiers of the governor who were watching and keeping vigil felt the strong earthquakes, the splitting and rolling of rocks and stones, the movement of the earth, and every amazing phenomenon that were taking place.  “The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, ‵Truly, this was the Son of God!′” (Matthew 27: 54).  Fear overshadowed them greatly for what they saw and experience, and they made manifest their new found faith and believed that truly Jesus, the Christ, was the Son of God!