April 4, 2004 - Passion Sunday

Luke 22:14 - 23:58

Pilate's image is a poor one. He is remembered as the weak-kneed ruler who through believing that Jesus was innocent, surrendered him to the mob. The mob appears in a similar bad light. Having welcomed Jesus as the long awaited Messiah on Sunday, they were howling for his blood by Thursday.

Herod made fun of the trapped prisoner and taunted him. The chief priests and elders placed a placed a false choice before the people, making it appear that Barrabas' release depended on Christ being condemned. Together, they sent Jesus to his death.

Pilate failed to do what he knew was right, a particularly serious crime in a person with authority. The mob was fickle and easily led as groups often are. Herod was a bully boy intimidating anyone who might have spoken up for the truth. The leaders were cute manipulators of the situation to protect their own interests.

Pilate, the mob, Herod, the leaders failed to live up to their responsibilities because they did not recognize Jesus for who he really was. The reading of the Passion and the celebration of Holy Week is an opportunity to avoid the same fate.

It is a chance to deepen faith in Jesus as the One will died to save us. It is a call to imitate his generosity and courage in every aspect of our daily lives. Like Pilate and the others, we can stifle that call.

(Commentary by Tom Clancy. Taken from "Preaching the Word", Columba)

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