3rd Sunday of Easter

Date: April 26, 2009

First Reading (Acts 3: 13-19)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Peter stated this to the Israelites, "The God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over to death and denied before Pilate, when even Pilate had decided to release him. You rejected the Holy and Just One, and you insisted that a murderer be released to you. You killed the Master of life, but God raised him from the dead and we are witnesses to this. It is his Name, and faith in his Name, that has healed this man whom you see and recognize. The faith which comes through Jesus has given him wholeness in the presence of all of you. Yet I know that you acted out of ignorance, as did your leaders. God has fulfilled in this way what he had foretold thorugh all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.

Second Reading (1 John 2: 1-5)
A reading from the first letter of Saint John.
My little children, I write to you that you may not sin. But if anyone sins, we have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Just One. He is the sacrificial victim for our sins and the sins of the whole world. How can we know that we know him? If we fulfill his commands. If you state, "I know him," but do not fulfill his commands, you are a liar and the truth is not in you. But you keep his word, God's love is made complete in you. This is how we know that we are in him.

Gospel (Luke 24: 35-48)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Then the two told what had happened on the road and how Jesus made himself known when he broke bread with them. As they went on talking about this, Jesus himself stood in their midst. And he stated to them, "Peace to you." In their panic and fright they thought they were seeing a ghost, but he stated to them, "Why are you upset and why do such ideas cross your mind? Look at my hands and feet and see that it is I myself. Touch me and see for yourselves that a ghost has no flesh and bones as I have." As he stated this, he showed his hands and feet. In their joy they did not dare to believe and were still astonished. So he stated to them, "Have you anything to eat?" and they gave him a piece of broiled fish. He took it and ate it before them. Then Jesus stated to them, "Remember the words I spoke to you when I was still with you: Everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he went on, "You see what was written: the Messiah had to suffer, and on the third day he rose from the dead. Then repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Now you shall be witness to this."

2nd Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Date: April 19, 2009

First Reading (Acts 4: 32–35)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
The whole community of believers was one in heart and mind. No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but rather they shared all things in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, for all of them were living in an exceptional time of grace. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned land or houses, sold them and brought the proceeds of the sale. And they laid it at the feet of the apostles who distributed it according to each one's need.

Second Reading (1 John 5: 1–6)
A reading from the first letter of Saint John.
Beloved: All those who believe that Jesus is the Anointed, are born of God; if you love the Father you also love all those born of him. How may we know that we love the children of God? If we love God and fulfill his commands, for God's love requires us to keep his commands. In fact, his commandments are not a burden because all those born of God overcome the world. And the victory which overcomes the world is our faith. Who has overcome the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus Christ was acknowledged through water, but also through blood. Not only water but water and blood. And the Spirit, too, witnesses to him for the Spirit is truth.

Gospel (John 20: 19–31)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
On the evening of that day, the first day after the sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were, because of their fear of the Jews, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. He stated to them, "Peace be with you"; then he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples kept looking at the Lord and were full of joy. Again Jesus stated to them, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." After stating this he breathed on them and stated to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit; for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained." Thomas, the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he replied, "Until I have seen in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his sand, I will not believe." Eight days later, the disciples were inside again and Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors Jesus came and stood in their midst and stated, "Peace be with you." Then he stated to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands; stretch out your hand and put it into my side. Resist no longer and be a believer." Thomas then stated, "You are my Lord and my God." Jesus replied, "You believe because you see me, do you not? Happy are those who have not seen and believe." There were many other signs that Jesus gave in the presence of his disciples, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; believe and you will have life through his Name.

Easter Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection

Date: April 12, 2009

First Reading (Acts 10: 34 and 37–43)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Peter then spoke to the people and Cornelius and stated, "Truly, I realize that God does not show partiality. No doubt you have heard of the event that occurred throughout the whole country of the Jews, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism John preached. You know how God anointed Jesus the Nazarean with Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all who were under the devil's power, because God was with him; we are witnesses of all that he did throughout the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem itself. Yet they put him to death by hanging him on a wooden cross. However, God raised him to life on the third day and let him manifest himself, not to all the people, but to the witnesses that were chosen beforehand by God – to us who ate and drank with him after his resurrection from death. And he commanded us to preach the people and to bear witness that he is the one appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. All the prophets say of him, that everyone who believes in him has forgiveness of sins through his Name."

Second Reading (Colossians 3: 1–4)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians.
So then, brothers and sisters: If you are risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on earthly things. For you have died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, reveals himself, you also will be revealed with him in Glory.

Gospel (John 20: 1–9)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Now, on the first day after the Sabbath, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark and she saw that the stone blocking the tomb had been moved away. She ran to Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved. And she stated to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down and saw the linen cloths lying flat, but he did not enter. Then Simon Peter came following him and entered the tomb; he, too, saw the linen cloths lying flat. The napkin, which had been around his head was not lying flat like the other linen cloths but lay rolled up in its place. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and believed. Scripture clearly stated that he must rise from the dead, but they had not yet understood that.

Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)

Date: April 11, 2009 First Reading (Genesis 1:1 – 2:2) A reading from the book of Genesis. In the beginning, when God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth had no form and was void; darkness was over the deep and the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. God stated, "Let there be light"; and there was light. God saw that the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'Day' and the darkness 'Night'. There was evening and there was morning: it was the first day. God stated, "Let there be a firm ceiling between the waters and let it separate waters from waters." So God made the ceiling and separated the waters below it from the waters above it. And so it was. God called the firm ceiling 'Sky'. There was evening and there was morning: it was the second day. God stated, "Let the waters below the sky be gathered together in one place and let dry land appear." And so it was. God called the dry land 'Earth', and the waters gathered together he called 'Seas'. God saw that it was good. God stated, "Let the earth produce vegetation, seed-bearing plants, fruit trees bearing fruit with seed, each according to its kind upon the earth." And so it was. The earth produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kind and trees producing fruit which has seed, according to their kind. Once again, God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning: the third day. God stated, "Let there be light in the ceiling of the sky to separate day from night and to serve as signs for the season, days and years; and let these lights shine above the earth." And so it happened. God therefore made two great lights, the greater light to govern the day and the smaller light to govern the night; and God made the stars as well. God placed them in the ceiling of the sky to give light on the earth and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. There was evening and there was morning: the fourth day. God stated, "Let the water teem with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth under the ceiling of the sky." God created the great monsters of the sea and all living animals, those that teem in the waters, according to their kind, and every winged bird, according to its kind. God saw that it was good. God bless them saying, "Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the waters of the sea, and let the birds increase on the earth." There was evening and there was morning: the fifth day. God stated, "Let the earth produce living animals according to their kind: cattle, creatures that move along the ground, wild animals according to their kind." So it was. God created the wild animals according to their kind, and everything that creeps along the ground according to its kind. Again, God saw that it was good. God states, "Let us make man in our image, to our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over the wild animals, and over all creeping things that crawl along the ground." So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and stated to them, "Be fruitful and augment in number, fill the earth and subdue it, rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky, over every living creature that moves on the ground." God stated, "I have given you ever seed-bearing fruit which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree that bears fruit with seed. It will be for your food. To every wild animal, to every bird of the sky, to everything that creeps along the ground, to everything that has the breath of life, I give every green plant for food." And so, as God states, it occurred. God observed all that he had created and it was all very good. There was evening and there was morning: the sixth day. That was the way the sky and the earth were created and all their vast array. By the seventh day the work God had done was completed, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had done. Second Reading (Exodus 14:15 – 15:1) A reading from the book of Exodus. The Lord stated to Moses, "Why do you cry to me?" Tell the people of Israel to go forward. You will raise your staff and stretch your hand over the sea and divide it to let the Israelites go dry foot through the sea. I will so harden the minds of the Egyptians that they will follow you. And I will have glory at the expense of Pharaoh, his army, his chariots and horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory for myself at the cost of Pharaoh and his army!" The Angel of God who had gone ahead of the Israelites now placed himself behind them. The pillar of cloud changed its position from the front to the rear, between the camps of the Israelites and the Egyptians. For one army the cloud provided light, for the other darkness so that throughout the night the armies drew no closer to each other. Moses stretched his hand over the sea and the Lord made a strong east wind that blew all night and dried up the sea. The waters divided and the sons of Israel went on dry ground through the middle of the sea, with the waters forming a wall to their right and to their left. The Egyptians followed them and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and horsemen moved forward in the middle of the sea. It occurred that in the morning watch, the Lord in the pillar of cloud and fire, looked towards the Egyptian camp and threw it into confusion. He so clogged their chariot wheels they could hardly move. Then the Egyptians stated, "Let us flee from the Israelites for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt." The the Lord stated to Moses, "Stretch your hand over the sea and let the waters come back over the Egyptians over their chariots and horsemen." Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. At daybreak, the sea returned to its place. As the Egyptians tried to flee, the Lord swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and engulfed the chariots and horsemen of the whole army of the Pharaoh that had followed Israel into the sea. Not even one of them manage to escape. As for the Israelites, they went forward on dry ground in the middle of the sea, the waters forming a wall on their right and on their left. On that day, the Lord delivered Israel from the power of the Egyptians and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore. They understood what wonders the Lord had done for them against Egypt, and the people feared the Lord. They believed in the Lord and Moses, his servant. Then Moses and the people sang this song to the Lord: I will sing to Yahweh, the glorious one, horse and rider he has thrown into the sea. Third Reading (Isaiah 54: 5-14) A reading from the book of Isaiah. For your Maker is to marry you: Yahweh Sabaoth is his name. Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel: He is called God of all the earth. For the Lord has called you back as one forsaken and grieved in spirit. Who could abandon his first beloved? Your God states. For a brief moment I have abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will gather my people. For a moment, in an outburst of anger, I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I have had mercy on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer. This is for me like Noah's waters, when I swore that they would no more flood the earth; so now I swear not to be angry with you and never again to rebuke you. The mountains my depart and the hills be moved, but never will my love depart from you nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord whose compassion is for you. O afflicted city, lashed by storm and unconsoled, I will set your stones with turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. I will crown your wall with agate, make your gates crystal, and your ramparts of precious stones. All your children will be taught by the Lord, and they will prosper greatly. Justice will be your foundation; tyranny and the fear of oppression will never come near you. Epistle (Romans 6: 3-11) A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. Brothers and sisters: You know that in baptism which unites us to Christ we are all baptized and plunged into his death. By this baptism in his death, we were buried with Christ and, as Christ was raised from among the dead by the Glory of the Father, so we begin walking in a new lift. It was an image of his death when we were grafted in him, and so we will also share in his resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with Christ, so as to destroy what of us was sin, so that we may no longer serve sin — if we are dead, we are no longer in debt to sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. We know that Christ, once risen from the dead, will not die again and death has no more dominion over him. There has been death: a death to sin once for all; there is a life: a life in God. So you too, must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ. Gospel (Mark 16: 1-8) A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark. When the sabbath was over, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint the body of Jesus. And very early in the morning on the first day of the week, right just after sunrise, they come to the tomb. They were saying to one another, "Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" But as they looked up, they noticed that the stone had already been rolled away. It was a very big stone. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right, and they were amazed. But he stated to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified; he has been raised and is not here. This is, however, the place where they laid him. Now god and tell his disciples and Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you." The women went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them. And they were so afraid that they stated nothing to anyone.

Friday of the Lord's Passion (Good Friday)

Date: April 10, 2009

New American Bible readings

First reading (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12)

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted. Even as many were amazed at him so marred was his look beyond human semblance and his appearance beyond that of the sons of man so shall he startle many nations, because of him kings shall stand speechless; for those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it. Who would believe what we have heard? To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up like a sapling before him, like a shoot from the parched earth; there was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, nor appearance that would attract us to him. He was spurned and avoided by people, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, one of those from whom people hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem. Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all. Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth. Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny? When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people, a grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood. But the LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him. Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear. Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.

Second reading (Hebrews 4: 14–16; 5: 7–9)

A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.

Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. In the days when Christ was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

Gospel (John 18:1 – 19:42)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus is Arrested

Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. Judas his betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.” He said to them, “I AM.” Judas his betrayer was also with them. When he said to them, “I AM,” they turned away and fell to the ground. So he again asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I AM. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill what he had said, “I have not lost any of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?” So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him, and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.

Peter’s First Denial

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus. But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in. Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.

The Inquiry Before Annas

The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his doctrine. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue or in the temple area where all the Jews gather, and in secret I have said nothing. Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. They know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Peter’s Further Denials

Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.

Jesus Before Pilate

Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was morning. And they themselves did not enter the praetorium, in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and said, “What charge do you bring against this man?” They answered and said to him, “If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” At this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” The Jews answered him, “We do not have the right to execute anyone,” in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled that he said indicating the kind of death he would die. So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this, I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

Barabbas Chosen Over Jesus

When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover. Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this one but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.

Jesus is Scourged

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly. Once more Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!” When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.”

Pilate Asks Further Questions of Jesus

Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid, and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him. So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

Jesus Again Presented to the People

When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

Jesus Sent to be Crucified

So they took Jesus, and, carrying the cross himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.” Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews’.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

Jesus is Crucified

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,” in order that the passage of Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. This is what the soldiers did. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. 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.

Jesus Dies on the Cross

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.

The Blood and Water

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 that they be taken down. So the soldiers 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. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

The Burial of Jesus

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body. Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.

Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings

First reading (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
It is now when my servant will succeed; he will be exalted and highly praised. Just as many have been horrified at his disfigured appearance: "Is this a man? He does not look like one," so will nations be astounded, kings will stand speechless, for they will see something never told, they will witness something never heard of. Who could believe what we have heard, and to whom has the Lord revealed his feat? Like a root out of dry ground, like a sapling he grew up before us, with nothing attractive in his appearance, no beauty, no majesty. He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows familiar with grief, a man from whom people conceal their face, spurned and considered of no account. Yet ours were the sorrows he bore, ours were the sufferings he endured, although we considered him as one punished by God, stricken and brought low. Destroyed because of our sins, he was crushed for our wickedness. Through his punishment we are made whole; by his wounds we are healed. Like sheep we had all gone astray, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon him all our guilt. He was harshly treated, but unresisting and silent, he humbly submitted. Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearer, he did not open his mouth. He was taken away to detention and judgment — what an unthinkable fate! He was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for his people's sin. They made his tomb with the wicked, they put him in the graveyard of the oppressors, though he had done no violence nor spoken in deceit. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with grief, when he makes himself an offering for sin, he will have a long life and see his descendants. Through him the will of the Lord is done. For the anguish he suffered, he will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge. My just servant will justify the multitude; he will bear and take away their guilt. Therefore, I will give him his portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong. For he surrendered himself to death and was even counted among the wicked, bearing the sins of the multitude and interceding for sinners.

Second reading (Hebrews 4: 14–16 and 5: 7–9)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
We have a great High Priest, Jesus, who is the Son of God, who has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess. Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sinning. Let us, then, with confidence approach God, the giver of grace; we will obtain mercy and, through his favor, help in due time. Christ, in the days of his mortal life, offered his sacrifice with tears and cries. He prayed to him who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his humble submission. Although he was the Son of God, he learned through suffering what obedience was, and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for those who obey him.

Gospel (John 18:1 – 19:42)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus is Arrested

When Jesus had finished praying, he went with his disciples to the other side of the Kidron Valley. There was a garden there, where Jesus entered with his disciples. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place since Jesus had often met there with his disciples. He led soldiers of the Roman battalion and guards from the chief priests and Pharisees, who went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus knew all that was going to happen to him; he stepped forward and asked, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, stood there with them. When Jesus replied, "I am he," they moved back and fell to the ground. Therefore, Jesus asked for a second time, "Who are you looking for?" and they answered, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus replied, "I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these others go." So what Jesus had stated came true: "I have not lost one of those you gave me." Simon Peter possessed a sword. He drew it and struck Malchus, the High Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. However, Jesus stated to Peter, "Put the sword back in its scabbard; shall I not drink the cup on which the Father had given me?" The guards and the soldiers, with their commander, seized Jesus and bound him. They took Jesus first to Annas. Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the High Priest that year; and it was Caiaphas who had told the Jews: "It is better that one man should die for the people."

Peter's First Denial

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the High Priest, they let him enter the courtyard of the High Priest along with Jesus, but Peter had to stay outside the door. The other disciple, who was known to the High Priest, went out and spoke to the maidservant at the gate and brought Peter in. Then, this servant on duty at the door asked Peter, "So you are also one of his disciples?" But Peter answered, "I am not." Now the servants and guards had made a charcoal fire and were standing and warming themselves, because it was cold. Peter was also with them warming himself.

The Inquiry Before Annas

The High Priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in places where the Jews meet together, either at the assemblies in synagogues or in the Temple. I did not teach secretly. Why then do you ask me? Ask those who heard me, they know what I have said." At this reply, one of the guards standing by gave Jesus a blow on the face, saying, "Is that the way to answer the High Priest?" Jesus replied to him, "If I have spoken incorrectly, then point it out. But if I have spoken correctly, why then do you have to strike me?" Then Annas sent Jesus, bound, to Caiaphas, the High Priest.

Peter's Further Denials

Now Simon Peter stood there warming himself. They stated to him, "Surely, you also are one of his disciples." Peter denied it. "I am not." One of the High Priest's servants, a kinsman of the one those whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you with him in the garden?" Again Peter denied it, and at once the cock crowed.

Jesus Before Pilate

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the court of the Roman governor. It was now morning. The Jews did not enter lest they were made unclean (by coming into the house of the pagan) and be unable to eat the Passover meal. So Pilate went out and asked, "What charge do you bring against this man?" They answered, "If he were not a criminal, we would not be handing him over to you." Pilate replied, "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your own law." But they replied, "We ourselves are not allowed to put anyone to death." It was clear from this what kind of death Jesus was to die, according to what Jesus himself had foretold.

Pilate Questions About Jesus

Pilate then entered the court again, called Jesus and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "Does this word come from your own accord, or did you hear it from others?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus replied, "My kingship does not belong to this world. If I were a king like those of this world, my guards would have fought to save me from being handed over to the Jews. But my kingship is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "Just as you say, I am a king. For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of truth hears my voice." Pilate asked, "What is truth?"

Barabbas Chosen Over Jesus

Pilate then went out to the Jews again and said, "I find no crime in this man. Now, according to the custom, I must release a prisoner of yours at the Passover. With your agreement I will release for you the King of the Jews." But they insisted and cried out, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

Jesus is Scourged

Then Pilate had Jesus taken away and scourged. The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown and placed it on Jesus' head. They additionally threw a cloak of royal purple around his shoulders. They began coming to him and saluting him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they slapped him on the face. Pilate then went outside yet another time and created another attempt to free Jesus. "Look, I am bringing him out and I want you to know that I find to crime in him." Jesus then came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. As Jesus exits, Pilate pointed to him saying, "Here is the man!" When the guards and the chief priests saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate replied, "Take him yourselves and have him crucified, for I find no case against him." The Jews then replied, "We have a Law, and according to that law, this man ought to die because he made himself Son of God."

Pilate Asks Further Questions About Jesus

When Pilate heard this he was more afraid. Coming back to the court, he asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" Jesus did not reply. Then Pilate answered him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have the power to release you just as I have power to crucify you?" Jesus then replied, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given to you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guiltier."

Jesus Again Presented to the People

From that moment, Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who makes himself king is defying Caesar." When Pilate heard this, he had Jesus brought outside to the place called the Stone Floor — in Hebrew, Gabbatha — and there he had him seated in the tribune. It was the Preparation Day for the Passover, about noon. So Pilate said to the Jews, "Here is your king." They insisted, "Away with him! Take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate finally answered, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king except Caesar." Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

Jesus is Crucified

They took charge of him. Bearing his own cross, Jesus went out of the city to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There he was crucified and with him, two others, one on right side and one on the left side of Jesus. Jesus was in the center. Pilate had a notice written and fastened to the cross that read: Jesus the Nazorean, King of the Jews. Many Jewish people saw this title, because the place where Jesus was crucified was very close to the city. It was, moreover, written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The chief priests said to Pilate, "Do not write: 'The King of the Jews'; but: 'This man claimed to be the King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one part for each of them. But as the tunic was woven in one piece from top to bottom, they said, "Let us not tear it, but let's cast lots for it to determine who will get it." This fulfilled the words of the Scripture: They divided my clothing among them; they cast lots for my garment. This is what the soldiers did.

Jesus Dies on the Cross

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary, who was the wife of Cleophas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw the Mother, and the disciple whom he loved, he said to the Mother, "Woman, this is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that moment, the disciple took her to his own home. With that Jesus knew all was now finished and he said, "I am thirsty." to fulfill what was written in the Scriptures. A jar full of bitter wine stood there; so, putting a sponge soaked in the wine on a twig of hyssop, they raised it to his lips. Jesus took the wine and stated, "It is accomplished." Then he bowed his head and gave up the spirit.

The Blood and Water

As it was Preparation Day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath, for this sabbath was a very solemn day. They asked Pilate to have the legs of the condemned men broken, so they might take away the bodies. The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who had been crucified with Jesus. When they came to Jesus, however, they noticed that he was already dead; so they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a lance. Immediately, there came out blood and water. The one who has been here gives his witness so that you may believe: his witness is true and He knows that he speaks the truth. All this happened to fulfill the words of the Scripture, Not one of his bones shall be broken. Another text says: They shall look on him whom they have pierced.

The Burial of Jesus

After this, Joseph of Arimathea approached Pilate, for he was a disciple of Jesus, though secretly, for fear of the Jews. And he asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate agreed, so he came and took away the body. Nicodemus, the man who earlier had come to Jesus by night, also came and brought a jar of myrrh mixed with aloes, about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, following the burial custom of the Jews. There was a garden in the place where Jesus had been crucified, and in the garden, a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. As the tomb was very near, they buried Jesus there because they had no time left before the Jewish Preparation Day.

Holy Thursday

Date: April 9, 2009

First Reading (Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14)
A reading from the book of Exodus.
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt and stated, "This month is to be the beginning of all months, the first month of your year. Speak to the community of Israel and say to them: On the tenth day of this month, let each family take a lamb, a lamb for each house. If the family is too small for a lamb, they must join with a neighbor, the nearest to the house, according to the number of people and what each one can eat. You will select a perfect lamb without blemish, a male born during the present year, taken from the sheep or goats. Then you will keep it until the fourteenth day of the month. On that evening all the people will slaughter their lambs and take some of the blood to put on the doorposts and on top of the doorframes of the houses where you eat. That night, you will eat the flesh roasted at the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. And this is how you will eat: with a belt around your waist, sandals on your feet and a staff in your hand. You shall eat hastily for it is a passover in honor of the Lord. On that night I shall go through Egypt and strike every firstborn in Egypt, men and animals; and I will even bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt; I, the Lord! The blood on your houses will be the sign that you are there. I will see the blood and pass over you; and you will escape the mortal plague when I strike Egypt. This is a day you are to remember and celebrate in honor of the Lord. It is to be kept as a festival day for all generations forever."

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brothers and sisters: This is the tradition of the Lord that I received and that in my turn I have handed on to you; the Lord Jesus, on the night that he was delivered up, took bread and after giving thanks, broke it with this statement, "This is my body which is broken for you; do this in memory of me." In the same manner, taking the cup after supper, he states, "This cup is the new Covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do it in memory of me." So then, whenever you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you are proclaiming the death of the Lord until he comes.

Gospel (John 13: 1-15)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
It was before the feast of the Passover. Jesus realized that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father, and as he had loved those who were his own in the world, he would loved them with perfect love. They were at supper and the devil had already put into the mind of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had entrusted all things to him, and as he had come from God, he was going to God. So he got up from the table, removed his garment and taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and wiped them with the towel he was wearing. When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Simon stated to him, "Why, Lord, you want to wash my feet!" Jesus stated, "What I am doing cannot make you understand right now. but afterwards you will understand it." Peter replied, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, then you can have no part with me." Then Simon Peter stated, "Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus replied, "Whoever has taken a bath does not need to wash (except the feet), for he is clean all over. You are clean, though not all of you." Jesus knew who was going to betray him; because of this, he stated, "Not all of you are clean." When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his garment again, went back to the table and stated to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and you are correct, for so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another's feet. I have just given you an example that as I have done, you also may do."

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Date: April 5, 2009

Gospel (Mark 11: 1–10) [Year B]
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
When Jesus and his disciples drew near to Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples with these instructions, "Go to the village on the other side and, as you enter it, you will find there a colt tied up that no one has ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you: 'What are you doing?' give this answer: 'The Lord needs it, but he will send it back immediately.'" They went off and found the colt out in the street tied at the door. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders asked, "Why are you untying that colt?" They answered as Jesus had told them, and the people allowed them to continue. The brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks on its back, and Jesus sat upon it. Many people also spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread leafy branches from the fields. Then the people who walked ahead and those who followed behind Jesus began to shout, "Hosannah! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David which comes! Hosannah in the highest!"

First Reading (Isaiah 50: 4–7)
A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
The Lord has taught me so I speak as his disciple and I know how to sustain the weary. Morning after morning he wakes me up to hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord has opened my ear. I have not rebelled, nor have I withdrawn. I offered my back to those who strike me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; neither did I shield my face from blows, spittle and disgrace. I have not despaired, for the Lord comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face, knowing that I will not be disgraced.

Second Reading (Philippians 2: 6–11)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Though being divine in nature, he did not claim in fact equality with God, but emptied himself, taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness, and in his appearance found as a man. He humbled himself by being obedient to death, death on the cross. That is why God exalted him and gave him the Name which outshines all names, so that at the Name of Jesus all knees should bend in heaven; on earth and among the dead, and all tongues proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel (Mark 14:1 – 15:47)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were looking craftily for a way to arrest Jesus and put him to death, for they said, "Not during the Festival, or there might be trouble among the people." Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper. As he was lying down at dinner, a woman entered carrying a precious jar of expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfumed oil on Jesus' head. Then some of them became angry and said, "What a useless waste of perfume. It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor." And they criticized her. But Jesus said, "Leave her alone; why are you troubling her? What she has just done for me is a very charitable work. At any time you can help the poor, for you always have them with you, but you will not have forever. This woman has done what was hers to do, she has anointed my body beforehand for my burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever the Good News is proclaimed, and this will be throughout the world, what she has done will be told in praise of her. Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them. On hearing him they were excited and promised to give him money. So Judas started planning the best way to hand Jesus over to them. On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the day when the Passover Lamb was killed, the disciples asked him, "Where would you have us go to prepare the Passover meal for you?" So Jesus sent two of his disciples with these instructions. "Go into the city and in there, is a man who will come to you carrying a jar of water. Follow him to the house he enters and say to the owner, 'The Master says: Where is the room where I may eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' Then he will show you a large room upstairs, already arranged and furnished. There you will prepare for us." The disciples went off. When they reached the city, they found everything just as Jesus had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were at the table eating, Jesus stated, "Truly, I will tell you, one of you will betray me, one who shares my meal." They were deeply distressed at hearing this and ask him, one after the other, "You don't mean me, do you?" And Jesus answered, "It is one of you Twelve, one who dips his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say he will. But alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed; better for him if he had never been born." While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed it and broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take this, it is my body." Then he took the cup and after he had given thanks, passed the cup to them and they all drank from it. And he said, "This is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is to be poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not taste the fruit of the vine again until the day I drink the new wine in the kingdom of God." After singing psalms of praise, they went out to the Hill of Olives. And Jesus stated to them, "All of you will be confused and fall away; for the Scripture says: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after I am raised up, I will go to Galilee ahead of you." The Peter said to him, "Even though all the others fall away, I will not." And Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, today, on this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." But Peter insisted, "Though I have to die with you, I will never deny you." And all of them stated the same. They came to a place which was called Gethsemane and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." But he took Peter, James, and John along with him, and becoming filled with fear and distress, he said to them, "My soul is full of sorrow, even to death. Remain here and stay awake." Then he went a little further on and fell to the ground, praying that if possible this hour might pass him by. Jesus said, "Abba (Daddy), all things are possible for you; take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want." Then he came and found them asleep and stated to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you stay awake for one hour? Keep watch and pray, all of you, so that you may not slip into temptation. The spirit indeed is eager but human nature is weak." And going away he prayed the same words. When he came back to the disciples, he found them asleep again; they could not keep their eyes open, and they did not know what to say to him. When he came back the third time, he stated, "You can sleep on now and take your rest. It is all over, for the time has come; the Son of Man is now given into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, the one betraying me is right here." While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders. The traitor had arranged a signal for them, "The one I kiss, he is the man. Arrest him and take him away under guard." So, when Jesus came, Judas went directly to him, calling, "Master! Master!" and kissed him. Then the guards seized Jesus and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck out at the High Priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus turned to them saying, "So, you have set out against a robber! Did you need swords and clubs to arrest me? Day after day I was among you teaching in the Temple and you did not arrest me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled." Then they all deserted him and fled. A young man covered by nothing but a linen cloth followed Jesus. As they took hold of him, he left the cloth in their hands and fled away naked. They led Jesus to the High Priest and all the chief priests assembled with the elders and the teachers of the Law. Peter had followed him at a distance and went right into the courtyard of the High Priest, where he sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole Council tried to find some evidence against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they were unable to find any. Even though many came up to speak falsely against him, their evidence did not agree. At last some stood up and gave this false witness: "We heard him say: 'I will destroy this Temple made by hands and in three days I will build another not made by human hands.'" But even so, their evidence did not agree. The High Priest then stood up in the midst of them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer at all? What of this evidence against you?" However, Jesus still stood silent and made no reply. The High Priest then asked a second question to Jesus, "Are you Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Then Jesus answered, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful and coming with the clouds of heaven around him." The High Priest tore his clothes to show his horror and stated, "What more evidence do we need? You have just heard his blasphemous words. What is your decision?" Everybody condemned Jesus, saying, "He must die." Some of them began to spit on Jesus, and blindfolding him, they struck him saying, "Play the prophet!" Additionally, the guards set upon him with blows. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the High Priest's servant-girls came by. Noticing Peter beside the fire, she looked straight at him and stated, "You also were with Jesus the Nazarene." But Peter denied it, "I do not know or understand what you are talking about." And he went out through the gateway. The servant-girl saw him there and told the bystanders, "This man is one of them." But Peter denied it again. After a little while those standing by stated to Peter, "Of course you are one of them; you are a Galilean, are you not?" And Peter began to justify himself with curses and oaths, "I do not know the man you are talking about." Just then a cock crowed a second time and Peter remembered what Jesus had stated to him; "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." Peter broke down and wept. Early in the morning, the chief priests, the elders, and the teachers of the Law (that is, the whole Council or Sanhedrin) had their plan ready. They put Jesus in chains, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "You say so." As the chief priests accused Jesus of many things, Pilate asked him again, "Have you no answer at all? See how many charges they bring against you." But Jesus gave no further answers, so that Pilate wondered. At every Passover festival, Pilate used to free any prisoner the people asked for. Now there was a man called Barabbas, jailed with the rioters who had committed murder in the uprising. When the crowd went up to ask Pilate the usual favor, he said to them, "Do you want to me set free the King of the Jews?" For he realized that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him out of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask instead for the release of Barabbas. Pilate replied, "And what shall I do with the man you call King of the Jews?" The crowd shouted back, "Crucify him!" Pilate asked, "What evil has he done?" However, in spite of Pilate's question they shouted louder, "Crucify him!" As Pilate wanted to please the people, he freed Barabbas and after the flogging of Jesus had him handed over to be crucified. The soldiers took him inside the courtyard known as the praetorium and called the rest of their companions. They clothed Jesus in a purple cloak and twisting a crown of thorns, they placed it on Jesus' head. Then they began saluting him, "Long life to the King of the Jews!" With a stick, they hit Jesus on the head and spat on him, and then they knelt down pretending to worship him. When they had finished mocking Jesus, they pulled off the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. The soldiers led Jesus out of the city to crucify him. On the way, they met Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, and forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. When they had led him to the place called Golgotha, which means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he would not take it. Then they nailed him to the cross and divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was about 9:00 AM when they crucified him. The statement of his offense was displayed above his head and it read, "The King of the Jews." They also crucified two robbers with him, one on Jesus' right and one on his left. Jesus was in the center. People passing by laughed at him, shook their head and jeered, "Aha! So you are able to tear down the Temple and build it up again in three days. Now save yourself and come down from the cross!" In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the Law teased Jesus, saying to one another, "The man who saved others cannot save himself. Let's see the Messiah, the king of Israel, come down from his cross. Then we will believe in him." Even the men who were crucified with Jesus insulted him. When noon came, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until three o'clock; and at three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. "Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachthani?" which is translated as, "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?" As soon as the people heard these words, some of the bystanders stated, "Listen! He is calling for Elijah." And one of them went quickly to fill a sponge with bitter wine and putting it on a reed, gave him to drink saying, "Now let's see whether Elijah comes to bring him down." But Jesus gave a loud shriek and gave up his spirit. Immediately, the drapes that enclosed the Temple sanctuary were torn in two from top to bottom. The captain who was standing in front of Jesus saw how he died and heard the cry he gave; and he stated, "Truly, this man was the Son of God." There were also some women watching from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, the younger and Joset and Salome, who had followed Jesus when he was in Galilee and saw to his needs. There were also others who had come up with him to Jerusalem. It was now evening and as it was Preparation Day, that is the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea boldly went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Joseph was a respected member of the Council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God. Pilate was surprised that Jesus should have died so soon; so he summoned the captain and inquired if Jesus was already dead. After hearing the captain, he let Joseph take the body. Joseph took it down and wrapped it in the linen sheet he had purchased. He laid the body in a tomb which had been cut out of the rock and rolled a stone across the entrance to the tomb. Now Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joset took note of where the body had been laid.