My hope is that the following thoughts will be an introduction to read the Passion slowly, using one’s imagination to picture the scene and be present in it. One of the better known sayings of Saint Bernadette is: “The Passion touches me more when I read it than when someone explains it to me”. May this be an incentive to us to read it meditatively.
As we read the Passion according to Saint John, it is very clear from the beginning that Jesus is in control. In the presence of the soldiers there to arrest Him in the garden, He takes the initiative and asks: “Who are you looking for?” (18:4) These words set the scene. Jesus’ attitude and dispositions towards HIs Passion had already been expressed when He said; “The Father loves me because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will” (John 10:17-18). There is remarkably little mention of the agony that He goes through. Pilate is anxious (verse 8) and fearful (verse 12) because although he has power (verse 11), he does not have control in spite of being able to give orders.
The desire of Jesus is focused on accomplishing the Father’s design for Him, that He be consistent and faithful to His mission as well as the values of the Kingdom right to the end.
One of the key words to understanding Jesus attitude is willingness. As a Christian do I call upon the same Spirit that moved Jesus, the Holy Spirit, to make me willing rather than willful or even unwilling, so that I remain in control as I carry my Cross? On account of His willingness, there is no trace of self-pity in Jesus at all. Do I ask the question: “Why me?” instead of accepting what the Lord allows in my life.
Mary is silent – without question or comment – at the foot of the Cross where she stands (John 19:25) – a consequence of her willingness to accept the mystery of her Son’s death.
We have the example of Saint Bernadette to help us as well. While she was on her deathbed, a sister said she would ask our Immaculate Mother to console her but Saint Bernadette responded: “No, no consolations, only strength and patience.”
Lord Jesus Christ, even with the weakness of human flesh that You took upon Yourself, You do not yield control of Your life in Your Passion but willingly accepted to be subjected to Pilate’s power. Take me from where I am and give my Your Holy Spirit that I may have that same willingness to accept all that the Father allows in my life and so come to a mature faith which gives glory to You.
Let us pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
1 av. Monseigneur Théas
