Date: April 22, 2011
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.
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.
Primera Lectura (Isaías 52:13 – 53:12)
ReplyDeleteUna lectura del libro del profeta Isaías.
Ahora llega para mi servidor la hora del éxito; será exaltado, y puesto en lo más alto. Así como muchos quedaron espantados al verlo, pues estaba tan desfigurado, que ya no parecía un ser humano así también todas las naciones se asombrarán, y los reyes quedarán sin palabras al ver lo sucedido, pues verán lo que no se les había contado y descubrirán cosas que nunca se habían oído. ¿Quién podrá creer la noticia que recibimos? Y la obra mayor de Yahvé, ¿a quién se la reveló? Este ha crecido ante Dios como un retoño, como raíz en tierra seca. No tenía brillo ni belleza para que nos fijáramos en él, y su apariencia no era como para cautivarnos. Despreciado por los hombres y marginado, hombre de dolores y familiarizado con el sufrimiento, semejante a aquellos a los que se les vuelve la cara, no contaba para nada y no hemos hecho caso de él. Sin embargo, eran nuestras dolencias las que él llevaba, eran nuestros dolores los que le pesaban. Nosotros lo creíamos azotado por Dios, castigado y humillado, y eran nuestras faltas por las que era destruido nuestros pecados, por los que era aplastado. Él soportó el castigo que nos trae la paz y por sus llagas hemos sido sanados. Todos andábamos como ovejas errantes, cada cual seguía su propio camino, y Yahvé descargó sobre él la culpa de todos nosotros. Fue maltratado y él se humilló y no dijo nada, fue llevado cual cordero al matadero, como una oveja que permanece muda cuando la esquilan. Fue detenido, enjuiciado y eliminado ¿y quién ha pensado en su suerte? Pues ha sido arrancado del mundo de los vivos y herido de muerte por los crímenes de su pueblo. Fue sepultado junto a los malhechores y su tumba quedó junto a los ricos, a pesar de que nunca cometió una violencia ni nunca salió una mentira de su boca. Quiso Yahvé destrozarlo con padecimientos, y él ofreció su vida como sacrificio por el pecado. Por esto verá a sus descendientes y tendrá larga vida, y el proyecto de Dios prosperará en sus manos. Después de las amarguras que haya padecido su alma, gozará del pleno conocimiento. El Justo, mi servidor, hará una multitud de justos, después de cargar con sus deudas. Por eso, le daré en herencia muchedumbres y lo contaré entre los grandes, porque se ha negado a sí mismo hasta la muerte y ha sido contado entre los pecadores, cuando llevaba sobre sí los pecados de muchos e intercedía por los pecadores.
Segunda Lectura (hebreos 4: 14-16 y 5: 7-9)
Una lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los hebreos.
Tenemos, pues, un sumo sacerdote excepcional, que ha entrado en el mismo cielo, Jesús, el Hijo de Dios. Esto es suficiente para que nos mantengamos firmes en la fe que profesamos. Nuestro sumo sacerdote no se queda indiferente ante nuestras debilidades, pues ha sido probado en todo igual que nosotros, a excepción del pecado. Por lo tanto, acerquémonos con plena confianza a la sede de la gracia, a fin de obtener misericordia y hallar la gracia del auxilio oportuno.
Evangelio/Pasión (Juan 18:1 – 19:42)
ReplyDeleteUna lectura de la Pasión de nuestro Señor Jesucristo según San Juan.
Parte 1 – El Arresto de Jesús
Después de haber dicho esto, Jesús fue con sus discípulos al otro lado del torrente Cedrón. Había en ese lugar una huerta y allí entró con ellos. Judas, el traidor, también conocía el lugar porque Jesús y sus discípulos se reunían allí con frecuencia. Entonces Judas, al frente de un destacamento de soldados y de los guardias designados por los sumos sacerdotes y los fariseos, llegó allí con faroles, antorchas y armas. Jesús, sabiendo todo lo que le iba a suceder, se adelantó y les preguntó: “¿A quién buscan?” A Jesús, el Nazareno. Él les dijo: “Soy yo.” Judas el que lo entregaba estaba con ellos. Cuando Jesús les dijo: “Soy yo”, ellos retrocedieron y cayeron en tierra. Les preguntó nuevamente: “¿A quién buscan?” Le dijeron: “A Jesús, el Nazareno.” Jesús repitió: “Ya les dije que soy yo. Si es a mí a quien buscan, dejan que estos se vayan.” Así debía cumplirse la palabra que él había dicho: “No he perdido a ninguno de los que me confiaste.” Entonces Simón Pedro, que llevaba una espada, la sacó e hirió al servidor del Sumo Sacerdote, cortándole la oreja derecha. El servidor se llamaba Malco. Jesús dijo a Simón Pedro: “Envaina tu espada. ¿Acaso no beberé el cáliz que me ha dado el Padre?” El destacamento de soldados, con el tribuno y los guardias judíos, se apoderaron de Jesús y lo ataron. Lo llevaron primero ante Anás, porque era suegro de Caifás, Sumo Sacerdote aquel año. Caifás era el que había aconsejado a los judíos: “Es preferible que un solo hombre muera por el pueblo.”
Parte 2 – Primera Negación de Pedro
ReplyDeleteEntre tanto, Simón Pedro, acompañado de otro discípulo, seguía a Jesús. Este discípulo, que era conocido del Sumo Sacerdote, entró con Jesús en el patio del Pontífice, mientras Pedro permanecía afuera, en la puerta. El otro discípulo, el que era conocido del Sumo Sacerdote, salió, habló a la portera e hizo entrar a Pedro. La portera dijo entonces a Pedro: “¿No eres tú también uno de los discípulos de ese hombre?” Él le respondió: “No lo soy.” Los servidores y los guardias se calentaban junto al fuego, que habían encendido porque hacía frío. Pedro también estaba con ellos, junto al fuego.
Parte 3 – La Inquisición afrente de Anás
ReplyDeleteEl Sumo Sacerdote interrogó a Jesús acerca de sus discípulos y de su enseñanza. Jesús le respondió: “He hablado abiertamente al mundo; siempre enseñé en la sinagoga y en el Templo, donde se reúnen todos los judíos, y no he dicho nada en secreto. ¿Por qué me interrogas a mí? Pregunta a los que me han oído qué les enseñé. Ellos saben bien lo que he dicho.” Apenas Jesús dijo esto, uno de los guardias allí presentes le dio una bofetada, diciéndole: “¿Así respondes al Sumo Sacerdote?” Jesús le respondió: “Si he hablado mal, muestra en qué ha sido; pero se he hablado bien, ¿por qué me pegas? Entonces Anás lo envió atado ante el Sumo Sacerdote Caifás.
Parte 4 – Las Negaciones Continuas
ReplyDeleteSimón Pedro permanecía junto al fuego. Los que estaban con él le dijeron: “¿No eres tú también uno de sus discípulos?” Él lo negó y dijo: “No lo soy.” Uno de los servidores del Sumo Sacerdote, pariente de aquel al que Pedro había cortado la oreja, insistió: “¿Acaso no te vi con él en la huerta?” Pedro volvió a negarlo, y enseguida cantó el gallo.
Parte 5 – Jesús se entregó a Pilato
ReplyDeleteDesde la casa de Caifás llevaron a Jesús al pretorio. Era de madrugada. Pero ellos no entraron en el pretorio, para no contaminarse y poder así participar en la comida de Pascua. Pilato salió adonde estaban ellos y les preguntó: “¿Qué acusación traen contra este hombre?” Ellos respondieron: “Si no fuera un malhechor, no te lo hubiéramos entregado.” Pilato les dijo: “Tómenlo y júzguenlo ustedes mismos, según la ley que tienen.” Los judíos le dijeron: “A nosotros no nos está permitido dar muerte a nadie.” Así debía cumplirse lo que había dicho Jesús cuando indicó cómo iba a morir.
Parte 6 – Pilato hace preguntas a Jesús
ReplyDeletePilato volvió a entrar en el pretorio, llamó a Jesús y le preguntó: “¿Eres tú el rey de los judíos?” Jesús le respondió: “¿Dices esto por ti mismo u otros te lo han dicho de mí?” Pilato explicó: “¿Acaso yo soy judío? Tus compatriotas y los sumos sacerdotes te han puesto en mis manos. ¿Qué es lo que has hecho?” Jesús respondió: “Mi realeza no es de este mundo. Si mi realeza fuera de este mundo, los que están a mi servicio habrían combatido para que yo no fuera entregado a los judíos. Pero mi realeza no es de aquí.” Pilato le dijo: “¿Entonces tú eres rey?” Jesús respondió: “Tú lo dices: yo soy rey. Para esto he nacido y he venido al mundo: para dar testimonio de la verdad. El que es de la verdad, escucha mi voz.” Pilato le preguntó: “¿Qué es la verdad?”
Parte 7 – Barrabás elegido sobre Jesús
ReplyDeleteAl decir esto, salió nuevamente a donde estaban los judíos y les dijo: “Yo no encuentro en él ningún motivo para condenarlo. Y ya que ustedes tienen la costumbre de que ponga en libertad a alguien, en ocasión de la Pascua, ¿quieren que suelte al rey de los judíos?” Ellos comenzaron a gritar, diciendo: “¡A él no, a Barrabás!” Barrabás era un revolucionario.
Parte 8 – Jesús está azotado
ReplyDeletePilato mandó entonces azotar a Jesús. Los soldados tejieron una corona de espinas y se la pusieron sobre la cabeza. Lo revistieron con un manto rojo, y acercándose, le decían: “¡Salud, rey de los judíos!”, y lo abofeteaban.
Parte 9 – Jesús se presenta a la muchedumbre
ReplyDeletePilato volvió a salir y les dijo: “Miren, lo traigo afuera para que sepan que no encuentro en él ningún motivo de condena.” Jesús salió, llevando la corona de espinas y el manto rojo. Pilato les dijo: “¡Aquí tienen al hombre!” Cuando los sumos sacerdotes y los guardias lo vieron, gritaron: “¡Crucifícalo! ¡Crucifícalo!” Pilato les dijo: “Tómenlo ustedes y crucifíquenlo. Yo no encuentro en él ningún motivo para condenarlo.” Los judíos respondieron: “Nosotros tenemos una Ley, y según esa Ley debe morir porque él pretende ser Hijo de Dios.”
Parte 10 – Pilato hace más preguntas a Jesús
ReplyDeletePilato se alarmó más todavía. Volvió a entrar en el pretorio y preguntó a Jesús: “¿De dónde eres tú?” Pero Jesús no lo respondió nada. Pilato le dijo: “¿No quieres hablarme? ¿No sabes que tengo autoridad para soltarte y también para crucificarte?” Jesús le respondió: “Tú no tendrías sobre mí ninguna autoridad, si no la hubieras recibido de lo alto. Por eso, el que me ha entregado a ti ha cometido un pecado más grave.”
Parte 11 – Jesús sentenciado para estar crucificado
ReplyDeleteDesde ese momento, Pilato trataba de ponerlo en libertad. Pero los judíos gritaban: “Si lo sueltas, no eres amigo del César, porque el que se hace rey se opone al César.” Al oír esto, Pilato sacó afuera a Jesús y lo hizo sentar sobre un estrado, en el lugar llamado “el Empedrado”, en hebreo, “Gábata.” Era el día de la Preparación de la Pascua, alrededor del mediodía. Pilato dijo a los judíos: “Aquí tienen a su rey.” Ellos vociferaban: “¡Que muera! ¡Que muera! ¡Crucifícalo!” Pilato les dijo: “¿Voy a crucificar a su rey?” Los sumos sacerdotes respondieron: “No tenemos otro rey que el César.” Entonces Pilato se lo entregó para que lo crucifiquen, y ellos se lo llevaron.
Parte 12 – La crucifixión y la muerte de Jesús
ReplyDeleteJesús, cargando sobre sí la cruz, salió de la ciudad para dirigirse al lugar llamado “del Cráneo”, en hebreo “Gólgota.” Allí lo crucificaron; y con él a otros dos, uno a cada lado y Jesús en el medio. Pilato redactó una inscripción que decía: "Jesús el Nazareno, rey de los judíos", y la hizo poner sobre la cruz. Muchos judíos leyeron esta inscripción, porque el lugar donde Jesús fue crucificado quedaba cerca de la ciudad y la inscripción estaba en hebreo, latín y griego. Los sumos sacerdotes de los judíos dijeron a Pilato: “No escribas: ‘El rey de los judíos’, sino: ‘Este ha dicho: Yo soy el rey de los judíos’”. Pilato respondió: “Lo escrito, escrito está.” Después que los soldados crucificaron a Jesús, tomaron sus vestiduras y las dividieron en cuatro partes, una para cada uno. Tomaron también la túnica, y como no tenía costura, porque estaba hecha de una sola pieza de arriba abajo, se dijeron entre sí: “No la rompamos. Vamos a sortearla, para ver a quién le toca.” Así se cumplió la Escritura que dice: Se repartieron mis vestiduras y sortearon mi túnica. Esto fue lo que hicieron los soldados. Junto a la cruz de Jesús, estaba su madre y la hermana de su madre, María, mujer de Cleofás, y María Magdalena. Al ver a la madre y cerca de ella al discípulo a quien él amaba, Jesús le dijo: “Mujer, aquí tienes a tu hijo.” Luego dijo al discípulo: “Aquí tienes a tu madre.” Y desde aquel momento, el discípulo la recibió en su casa. Después, sabiendo que ya todo estaba cumplido, y para que la Escritura se cumpliera hasta el final, Jesús dijo: “Tengo sed.” Había allí un recipiente lleno de vinagre; empaparon en él una esponja, la ataron a una rama de hisopo y se la acercaron a la boca. Después de beber el vinagre, dijo Jesús: “Todo se ha cumplido.” E inclinando la cabeza, entregó su espíritu.
Parte 13 – La sangre y el agua
ReplyDeleteEra el día de la Preparación de la Pascua. Los judíos pidieron a Pilato que hiciera quebrar las piernas de los crucificados y mandara retirar sus cuerpos, para que no quedaran en la cruz durante el sábado, porque ese sábado era muy solemne. Los soldados fueron y quebraron las piernas a los dos que habían sido crucificados con Jesús. Cuando llegaron a él, al ver que ya estaba muerto, no le quebraron las piernas, sino que uno de los soldados le atravesó el costado con la lanza, y en seguida brotó sangre y agua. El que vio esto lo atestigua: su testimonio es verdadero y él sabe que dice la verdad, para que también ustedes crean. Esto sucedió para que se cumpliera la Escritura que dice: "No le quebrarán ninguno de sus huesos". Y otro pasaje de la Escritura, dice: "Verán al que ellos mismos traspasaron".
Parte 14 – Jesús está sepultado
ReplyDeleteDespués de esto, José de Arimatea, que era discípulo de Jesús pero secretamente, por temor a los judíos. Pidió autorización a Pilato para retirar el cuerpo de Jesús. Pilato se la concedió, y él fue a retirarlo. Fue también Nicodemo, el mismo que anteriormente había ido a verlo de noche, y trajo una mezcla de mirra y áloe, que pesaba unos treinta kilos. Tomaron entonces el cuerpo de Jesús y lo envolvieron con vendas, agregándole la mezcla de perfumes, según la costumbre de sepultar que tienen los judíos. En el lugar donde lo crucificaron había una huerta y en ella, una tumba nueva, en la que todavía nadie había sido sepultado. Como era para los judíos el día de la Preparación y el sepulcro estaba cerca, pusieron allí a Jesús.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 31) (Verses 2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, and 25)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge, may I never be disgraced; deliver me in your justice. Into your hands I commend my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
I have become an object of reproach for my foes a horror for my neighbors, a fear to my friends those who see me in the streets flee from me. I am like the dead, unremembered; I have become like a broken pot, thrown away, discarded.
But I put my trust in you, O Lord, I said: "You are my God;" my days are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, from those after my skin.
Make your face shine upon your servant; save me in your love. Be strong and take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.
Salmo responsivo (Salmo 31) (Versículos 2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, y 25)
DeleteLa respuesta es: Padre, en tus manos encomiendo mi espíritu.
Yo me refugio en ti, Señor, ¡que nunca me vea defraudado! Líbrame, por tu justicia, pongo mi vida en tus manos: tú me rescatarás, Señor, Dios fiel. Soy la burla de todos mis enemigos y la irrisión de mis propios vecinos; para mis amigos soy motivo de espanto, los que me ven por la calle huyen de mí, como un muerto, he caído en el olvido, me he convertido en una cosa inútil. Pero yo confío en ti, Señor, y te digo: "Tú eres mi Dios, mi destino está en tus manos." Líbrame del poder de mis enemigos y de aquellos que me persiguen. Que brille tu rostro sobre tu servidor, sálvame por tu misericordia; sean fuertes y valerosos, todos los que esperan en el Señor.
There are three parts in this Mass. They are the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and the Holy Communion.
ReplyDeleteThe entrance hymn is omitted. All servers and celebrants wearing red Mass vestments go to the altar and pray solemnly for a while.
ReplyDeleteThe priest goes to the chair with the ministers and faces the congregation. With hands joined, he states: Remember your mercies, O Lord, and with your eternal protection, sanctify your servants, for whom Christ your Son, by the shedding of his Blood, established the Paschal Mystery. Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAfter this short prayer, readers dive in reading the book of Isaiah and letter of Saint Paul to the Hebrews.
DeleteThe Kyrie and Gloria are both omitted.
ReplyDeleteThe Gospel Acclamation is replaced by the Verse Before the Gospel.
ReplyDeleteFather Thomas has done a 13'33"5 homily.
DeleteI like Father Thomas when he gets so devout with prayers prior to the homily and prayers after the homily.
DeleteDo you realize that Father Thomas has this intriguing feeling where when he prays with all the heart touching and that? It is kind of funny.
DeleteAfter the homily, two priests (Father Thomas and Father Ignatius) dives into the solemn intercessions. The Apostle's Creed is omitted. Before the intercessions, the congregation kneel and pray silently for a period of time.
ReplyDeleteI. For the Holy Church
ReplyDeleteLet us pray, dearly beloved, for the holy Church of God, that our God and Lord be pleased to give her peace, and guard her and to unite her throughout the whole world and grant that leading our life in tranquility and quietness, we may glorify our God the Father Almighty.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, who in Christ revealed your glory to all the nations, watch over the works of your mercy, that your Church, spread throughout the world, may persevere with steadfast faith in confessing your name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
II. For the Pope
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for our most Holy Father Pope Francis, that our God our Lord, who chose him for the Order of Bishops, may keep him safe and unharmed for the Lord's holy Church, to govern the holy people of God.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, by whose decree all things are founded, look with favor on our prayers and in your kindness protect the Pope chosen for us, that under him, the Christian people, governed by you their maker, may grow in merit by reason of their faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
III. For all orders and degrees of the faithful
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for our Bishop Ignatius (Ohario), for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of the Church, and for the entire beautiful people.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is sanctified and governed, hear our humble prayer for your ministers, that by the fit of your grace, all may serve you faithfully. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
IV. For catechumens
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for (our) catechumens, that our God and Lord may open wide the ears of their inmost hearts and unlock the gates of his mercy, that having received forgiveness of all their sins through the waters of rebirth, they too may be one with Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, who make your Church ever fruitful with new offspring, increase the faith and understanding of (our) catechumens, that reborn in the font of Baptism, they may be added to the number of your adopted children. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. For the unity of Christians
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for all our brothers and sisters who believe in Christ, that our God and Lord may be pleased, as they live the truth, to gather them together and keep them in his one Church.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, who gather what is scattered and keep together what you have gathered, look kindly on the flock of your Son, that those whom one Baptism has consecrated may be joined together by integrity of faith and united in the bond of charity. Through Christ our Lord.
VI. For the chosen people
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for the chosen people, to whom the Lord our God spoke first, that he may grant them to advance in love of his name and in faithfulness of his covenant.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, who bestowed your promises on Abraham and his descendants, graciously hear the prayers of your Church, that the people you first made your own may attain the fullness of redemption. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
VII. For those who do not believe in Christ
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for those who do not believe in Christ, that enlightened by the Holy Spirit, they too may enter on the way of salvation.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, grant to those who do not confess Christ that by walking before you with a sincere heart, they may find the truth and that we ourselves, being constant in mutual love and striving to understand more fully the mystery of your love, may be made more perfect witnesses to your love in the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
VIII. For those who do not believe in God
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for those who do not acknowledge God, that following what is right in sincerity of heart, they may find the way to God himself.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, who created all people to seek you always by desiring you and by finding you, come to rest. Grant we pray, that despite every harmful obstacle, all may recognize the signs of your fatherly love and the witness of the good works done by those who believe in you, and so in gladness confess you, the one true God and Father of our human race. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
IX. For all in public office
ReplyDeleteLet us pray also for those in public office, that our God and Lord may direct their minds and hearts according to his will for the true peace and freedom of all.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, in whose hand lies every human heart and the rights of peoples, look with favor, we pray, on those who govern with authority over us, that throughout the whole world, the prosperity of peoples, the assurance of peace, and freedom of religion may through your gift be made secure. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
X. For those in tribulation
ReplyDeleteLet us pray, dearly beloved, to God the Father Almighty, that he may cleanse the world of all errors, banish disease, drive out hunger, unlock prisons, loosen fetters, granting to travelers safety, to pilgrims return, health to the sick, and salvation to the dying.
(Silent prayer. Then the priest states...)
Almighty ever-living God, comfort of mourner, strength of all who toil, may the prayers of those who cry out in any tribulation come before you, that all may rejoice, because in their hour of need your mercy was at hand. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
After the intercessions, the Veneration of the Cross commences. At this point the priest will carry the cross outside the church. Then he will sing/say: Behold the wood of the cross, on which hung the Salvation of the world.
ReplyDeleteThe congregation will reply: Come, let us adore.
The priest will perform this for a total of three times.
All faithful and congregation come forward to show their appreciation/love to God by presenting a gift of love/gratitude, such as a genuflection and kiss on Jesus.
DeleteAfter the Veneration of the Cross, collections begin.
ReplyDeleteThere is no offertory family. The bread and wine is already set on the altar prior to the Holy Communion.
DeletePrior to the commencement of the Holy Communion, the priest invites the people to state (not sing) the Lord's Prayer. Then, the priest states: Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may always be free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
DeleteThe congregation replies: For the kingdom the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Interestingly, the "offering of God's peace" is omitted on this day. There is an unknown reason why that is…
DeleteAlmighty ever-living God, who have restored us to life by the blessed death and resurrection of your Christ, preserve in us the work of your mercy, that by partaking on this mystery, we may have a life unceasingly devoted to you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ReplyDeleteMay your abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray, descend upon your people, who have honored the death of your Son in the hope of their resurrection: may pardon come, comfort be given, holy faith increase, and everlasting redemption be made secure. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThe recessional song is omitted. All depart in silence. The altar is stripped at a convenient time. However, the cross remains on the altar with two or four candlesticks.
ReplyDeleteUnang pagbabasa (Isaias 52:13 – 53:12)
ReplyDeleteAng pagbabasa sa aklat ni Isaias.
Sinabi ni Yahweh, “Ang lingkod ko'y magtatagumpay sa kanyang gawain; mababantog siya at dadakilain. Marami ang nagulat nang siya'y makita, dahil sa pagkabugbog sa kanya, halos hindi makilala kung siya ay tao. Ngayo'y marami rin ang mga bansang magugulantang; pati mga hari kapag siya'y nakita ay matitigilan. Makikita nila ang hindi nabalita kahit na kailan, at mauunawaan ang hindi pa narinig ninuman!” “Sino ang maniniwala sa ibinabalita naming ito? Kanino mo ipinakita ang iyong kapangyarihan? Kalooban ni Yahweh na matulad sa isang halaman ang kanyang lingkod, parang ugat na natanim sa tuyong lupa. Walang katangian o kagandahang makatawag-pansin, walang taglay na pang-akit para siya ay lapitan. Hinamak siya ng mga tao at itinakwil. Nagdanas siya ng hapdi at hirap. Wala man lang pumansin sa kanya. Binaliwala natin siya, na parang walang kabuluhan. “Tunay ngang inalis niya ang ating mga kahinaan, pinagaling niya ang ating mga karamdaman. Subalit inakala nating iyo'y parusa ng Diyos sa kanya. Ngunit dahil sa ating mga kasalanan kaya siya nasugatan; siya ay binugbog dahil sa ating kasamaan. Tayo ay gumaling dahil sa pahirap na dinanas niya at sa mga hampas na kanyang tinanggap. Tayong lahat ay tulad ng mga tupang naliligaw; nagkanya-kanya tayo ng lakad. Ngunit ipinataw ni Yahweh sa kanya ang kaparusahang tayo ang dapat tumanggap. “Siya ay binugbog at pinahirapan, ngunit hindi kumibo kahit isang salita; tulad ay tupang nakatakdang patayin, parang korderong hindi tumututol kahit na gupitan, at hindi umiimik kahit kaunti man. Nang siya'y hulihin at hatulan upang mamatay, wala man lamang nagtanggol sa kanyang kalagayan. Siya ay pinatay dahil sa sala ng sangkatauhan. Siya'y inilibing na kasama ng masasama at mayayaman, kahit na siya'y walang kasalanan o nagsabi man ng kasinungalingan.” Sinabi ni Yahweh, “Ang kanyang paghihirap ay kalooban ko; ang kanyang kamatayan ay handog para sa kapatawaran ng kasalanan. Dahil dito'y mabubuhay siya nang matagal, makikita ang lahing susunod sa kanya. At sa pamamagitan niya'y maisasagawa ang aking panukala. Pagkatapos ng mahabang pagdurusa, muli siyang lalasap ng ligaya; malalaman niyang hindi nawalan ng kabuluhan ang kanyang pagtitiis. Ang tapat kong lingkod na lubos kong kinalulugdan ang siyang tatanggap sa parusa ng marami, at alang-alang sa kanya sila'y aking patatawarin. Dahil dito siya'y aking pararangalan, kasama ng mga dakila at makapangyarihan; sapagkat kusang-loob niyang ibinigay ang sarili at nakibahagi sa parusa ng masasama. Inako niya ang mga makasalanan at idinalanging sila'y patawarin.”
Salmong pagtugon (Salmo 31) (Bersikulo 2, 6, 12–13, 15–17, at 25)
Ang tugon ay: Sa iyong kamay, ipinagkakatiwala ko ang aking buhay.
Lumalapit ako sa iyo, Yahweh, upang ingatan; huwag mo sana akong ilagay sa kahihiyan.
• Ikaw ay isang Diyos na makatuwiran, iligtas mo ako, ito'ng aking kahilingan. Sa iyong kamay, ipinagkakatiwala ko ang aking buhay. At sa aki'y ibibigay ang iyong kaligtasan; ikaw ay Diyos na mapagkakatiwalaan.Ikaw ay namumuhi sa mga sumasamba sa mga diyus-diyosang walang halaga, ngunit sa iyo, Yahweh, ako umaasa.
• Nilalait ako ng aking mga kaaway, hinahamak ako ng mga kapitbahay; mga dating kakilala ako'y iniiwasan, kapag ako'y nakasalubong ay nagtatakbuhan. Para akong patay na kanilang nakalimutan, parang sirang gamit na hindi na kailangan.
• Subalit sa iyo, Yahweh, ako'y nagtitiwala, ikaw ang aking Diyos na dakila! Ikaw ang may hawak nitong aking buhay, iligtas mo ako sa taga-usig ko't mga kaaway.
• Itong iyong lingkod, sana ay lingapin, sa wagas mong pag-ibig ako ay sagipin. Magpakatatag kayo at lakasan ang loob, kayong kay Yahweh'y nagtitiwalang lubos.
Ikalawang pagbabasa (Hebreo 4: 14–16 at 5: 7–9)
DeleteAng pagbabasa sa sulat ni San Pablo sa mga Hebreo.
Kaya nga, magpakatatag tayo sa ating pananampalataya, dahil mayroon tayong Dakilang Pinakapunong Pari na pumasok na sa kalangitan, doon mismo sa harap ng Diyos. Siya'y walang iba kundi si Jesus na Anak ng Diyos. Ang ating Pinakapunong Paring ito ay nakakaunawa sa ating mga kahinaan sapagkat tulad natin, tinukso siya sa lahat ng paraan, subalit kailanma'y hindi siya nagkasala. Kaya't huwag tayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa trono ng mahabaging Diyos upang makamtan natin ang habag at pagpapala na tutulong sa atin sa panahon ng ating pangangailangan. Noong si Jesus ay namumuhay pa rito sa lupa, siya'y nanalangin at lumuluhang nakiusap sa Diyos na makakapagligtas sa kanya sa kamatayan. At dininig siya ng Diyos dahil lubusan siyang nagpakumbaba. Kahit na siya'y Anak ng Diyos, natutunan niya ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagsunod sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiis. At nang siya'y maging ganap, siya ang naging sanhi upang magkamit ng walang hanggang kaligtasan ang lahat ng mga masunurin sa kanya.
Ebanghelyo/Pasyon (Juan 18:1 – 19:42)
DeleteAng Pasyon ni Hesukristo, ating Panginoon, ayon kay San Juan.
Pagkatapos ng panalanging ito, umalis si Jesus kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pumunta sila sa ibayo ng batis ng Kidron at pumasok sa isang halamanan doon. Alam ng taksil na si Judas ang lugar na iyon sapagkat doon madalas magpunta si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad. Isinama roon ni Judas ang ilang mga bantay sa Templo at isang pangkat ng mga kawal Romano na padala ng mga punong pari at mga Pariseo. May dala silang mga lampara, mga sulo at mga sandata. Alam ni Jesus ang lahat ng mangyayari sa kanya kaya't sila ay sinalubong niya at tinanong, “Sino ang hinahanap ninyo?” “Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret,” sagot nila. At sinabi niya, “Ako iyon.” Si Judas na nagkanulo sa kanya ay kaharap nila noon. Nang sabihin ni Jesus na “Ako iyon,” napaurong sila at bumagsak sa lupa. Muli niyang itinanong, “Sino ba ang hinahanap ninyo?” “Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret,” sagot nila. Sumagot si Jesus, “Sinabi ko na sa inyong ako iyon. Kung ako ang hinahanap ninyo, hayaan ninyong umalis ang mga taong ito.” Sa gayon, natupad ang kanyang sinabi, “Ama, walang napahamak kahit isa sa mga ibinigay mo sa akin.” Binunot ni Simon Pedro ang kanyang tabak at tinaga ang alipin ng Pinakapunong Pari, at natagpas ang kanang tainga nito. Ang pangalan ng alipin ay Malco. Sinabi ni Jesus kay Pedro, “Ibalik mo sa lalagyan ang iyong tabak! Sa palagay mo ba'y hindi ko iinuman ang kopa ng pagdurusa na ibinigay sa akin ng Ama?” Dinakip nga si Jesus at iginapos ng mga bantay na Judio at ng mga kawal na Romano na pinamumunuan ng isang kapitan. Siya'y dinala muna kay Anas na biyenan ni Caifas, ang pinakapunong pari nang taong iyon. Si Caifas ang nagpayo sa mga pinuno ng mga Judio na makabubuti para sa kanila na isang tao lamang ang mamatay para sa bayan.
Sumunod kay Jesus si Simon Pedro at ang isa pang alagad. Ang alagad na ito ay kilala ng pinakapunong pari kaya't nakapasok siyang kasama ni Jesus hanggang sa patyo ng bahay ng pinakapunong pari. Naiwan naman si Pedro sa labas ng pintuan, kaya lumabas ang alagad na kilala ng pinakapunong pari, kinausap ang utusang babae na nagbabantay sa pinto at pinapasok si Pedro. Si Pedro'y tinanong ng babae, “Hindi ba't isa ka sa mga alagad ng taong iyan?” “Hindi,” sagot ni Pedro. Maginaw noon, kaya't nagsiga ng uling ang mga utusan at ang mga bantay, at nag-umpukan sila sa paligid ng apoy upang magpainit. Nakihalo sa kanila si Pedro, tumayo roon at nagpainit din.
DeleteTinanong si Jesus ng Pinakapunong Pari tungkol sa kanyang mga alagad at sa kanyang itinuturo. Sumagot si Jesus, “Hayagan akong nagsasalita sa madla, at lagi akong nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at sa Templo na pinagtitipunan ng mga Judio. Wala akong sinabi nang palihim. Bakit ako ang tinatanong ninyo? Ang tanungin ninyo'y ang mga nakarinig sa akin; alam nila kung ano ang sinabi ko.” Pagkasabi nito'y sinampal siya ng isa sa mga bantay na naroroon. “Ganyan ba ang pagsagot sa pinakapunong pari?” tanong niya. Sumagot si Jesus, “Kung may sinabi akong masama, patunayan mo! Ngunit kung tama ang sinabi ko, bakit mo ako sinampal?” Matapos ito, si Jesus na nakagapos pa noon ay ipinadala ni Anas kay Caifas, ang pinakapunong pari.
DeleteHabang nagaganap ito, si Simon Pedro ay nakatayo at nagpapainit pa rin sa tabi ng apoy. Siya'y tinanong ng mga naroon, “Hindi ba't alagad ka rin ng taong iyan?” Ipinagkaila ito ni Pedro. “Hindi!” sagot niya. Tinanong naman siya ng isa sa mga utusan ng pinakapunong pari at kamag-anak ng lalaking natagpasan niya ng tainga, “Hindi ba nakita kitang kasama ni Jesus sa halamanan?” Muling ikinaila ito ni Pedro, at agad na tumilaok ang manok.
DeleteMaaga pa nang dalhin si Jesus sa palasyo ng gobernador mula sa bahay ni Caifas. Hindi pumasok ang mga pinuno ng mga Judio sa palasyo upang sila'y huwag maituring na di karapat-dapat kumain ng hapunang pampaskwa. Kaya't si Pilato ay lumabas sa palasyo at tinanong sila, “Ano ang paratang ninyo laban sa taong ito?” Sila'y sumagot, “Hindi po namin siya dadalhin sa inyo kung hindi siya gumawa ng masama.” Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Kayo na ang bahala sa kanya at hatulan ninyo siya ayon sa inyong batas.” Subalit sumagot ang mga Judio, “Hindi ipinapahintulot sa aming humatol ng kamatayan kaninuman.” Sa gayon, natupad ang sinabi ni Jesus nang ipahiwatig niya kung sa anong paraan siya mamamatay.
DeleteSi Pilato ay pumasok uli sa palasyo at ipinatawag si Jesus. “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” tanong niya. Sumagot si Jesus, “Galing ba sa sarili mo ang tanong na iyan, o may ibang nagsabi sa iyo tungkol sa akin?” Tugon ni Pilato, “Sa tingin mo ba'y Judio ako? Ang mga kababayan mo at ang mga punong pari ang nagdala sa iyo rito. Ano ba ang ginawa mo?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang kaharian ko'y hindi sa sanlibutang ito. Kung sa sanlibutang ito ang aking kaharian, ipinaglaban sana ako ng aking mga tauhan upang hindi maipagkanulo sa mga Judio. Ngunit hindi mula sa sanlibutang ito ang aking kaharian!” “Kung ganoon, isa ka ngang hari?” sabi ni Pilato. Sumagot si Jesus, “Ikaw na ang nagsasabing ako'y hari. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ako ipinanganak at naparito sa sanlibutan, upang magpatotoo tungkol sa katotohanan. Nakikinig sa aking tinig ang sinumang nasa katotohanan.” “Ano ba ang katotohanan?” tanong ni Pilato.
DeletePagkasabi nito, muling lumabas si Pilato at sinabi sa mga Judio, “Wala akong nakikitang dahilan upang hatulan siya. Ngunit ayon sa inyong kaugalian, dapat akong magpalaya ng isang bilanggo sa Pista ng Paskwa. Ibig ba ninyong palayain ko ang Hari ng mga Judio?” “Hindi!” sigaw nila. “Hindi siya, kundi si Barabbas!” Si Barabbas ay isang tulisan.
DeleteKaya't ipinakuha ni Pilato si Jesus at ipinahagupit. Ang mga kawal ay kumuha ng halamang matinik, ginawa itong korona at ipinutong kay Jesus. Siya rin ay sinuotan nila ng balabal na kulay ube. Lumapit sila sa kanya at sinabi, “Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!” At kanilang pinagsasampal si Jesus.
DeleteLumabas muli si Pilato at sinabi sa mga tao, “Ihaharap ko siya sa inyo upang malaman ninyo na wala akong nakikitang dahilan upang hatulan siya!” At lumabas si Jesus na may koronang tinik at balabal na kulay ube. Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Pagmasdan ninyo ang taong ito!” Pagkakita sa kanya ng mga punong pari at ng mga bantay, sila'y nagsigawan, “Ipako siya sa krus! Ipako sa krus!” Sinabi ni Pilato, “Kayo ang bahala sa kanya at magpako sa kanya sa krus, dahil wala akong nakikitang dahilan upang hatulan siya.” Sumagot ang mga Judio, “Mayroon kaming batas at ayon dito ay nararapat siyang mamatay, sapagkat sinasabi niyang siya'y Anak ng Diyos.”
DeleteNang marinig ni Pilato ang sinabi nila, lalo siyang natakot. Muli siyang pumasok sa palasyo at tinanong si Jesus, “Tagasaan ka ba?” Subalit hindi tumugon si Jesus. Muling nagtanong si Pilato, “Ayaw mong magsalita sa akin? Hindi mo ba alam na may kapangyarihan akong palayain ka o ipapako sa krus?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Hindi ka magkakaroon ng kapangyarihan sa akin kung hindi iyan ibinigay sa iyo mula sa langit, kaya't mas mabigat ang kasalanan ng nagdala sa akin dito sa harapan mo.”
DeleteNang marinig ito ni Pilato, naghanap siya ng paraan upang palayain si Jesus. Ngunit nagsigawan ang mga Judio, “Kapag pinalaya mo ang taong iyan, hindi ka kaibigan ng Emperador! Ang sinumang nagsasabing siya'y hari ay kalaban ng Emperador.” Pagkarinig ni Pilato sa mga salitang ito, inilabas niya si Jesus at siya'y umupo sa upuan ng hukom na nasa dakong tinatawag na “Plataporma,” Gabatha sa wikang Hebreo. Araw noon ng Paghahanda sa Paskwa, at mag-aalas-dose na ng tanghali. Sinabi ni Pilato sa mga Judio, “Narito ang inyong hari!” Sumigaw sila, “Patayin siya! Patayin! Ipako sa krus!” “Ipapako ko ba sa krus ang inyong hari?” tanong naman ni Pilato. Sumagot ang mga punong pari, “Wala kaming hari kundi ang Emperador!” Kaya't ibinigay sa kanila ni Pilato si Jesus upang siya'y ipako sa krus.
DeleteKinuha nga nila si Jesus. Inilabas siyang pasan ang kanyang krus papunta sa lugar na kung tawagi'y “Dako ng Bungo,” Golgotha sa wikang Hebreo. Doon ay ipinako siya sa krus, kasama ng dalawa pa; isa sa gawing kanan at isa sa kaliwa. Gumawa si Pilato ng isang karatula at inilagay sa krus; ganito ang nakasulat: “Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret, ang Hari ng mga Judio.” Nakasulat ito sa mga wikang Hebreo, Latin, at Griego. Marami sa mga Judio ang nakabasa nito sapagkat malapit lamang sa lungsod ang dakong pinagpakuan kay Jesus. Kaya't sinabi ng mga punong pari kay Pilato, “Huwag ninyong isulat ang, ‘Ang Hari ng mga Judio’, kundi, ‘Sinabi ng taong ito, Ako ang Hari ng mga Judio.’” Ngunit sumagot si Pilato, “Ang naisulat ko'y naisulat ko na.” Nang si Jesus ay maipako na ng mga kawal, kinuha nila ang kanyang kasuotan at pinaghati-hati sa apat na bahagi, isa sa bawat kawal. Kinuha rin nila ang kanyang mahabang panloob na kasuotan; ito'y walang tahi at hinabi nang buo mula sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba. Kaya't nag-usap-usap ang mga kawal, “Huwag nating punitin ito; magpalabunutan tayo para malaman kung kanino ito mapupunta.” Sa gayon, natupad ang isinasaad ng Kasulatan, “Pinaghati-hatian nila ang aking kasuotan; at para sa aking damit sila'y nagpalabunutan.” Ganoon nga ang ginawa ng mga kawal. Nakatayo sa tabi ng krus ni Jesus ang kanyang ina at ang kapatid nitong babae, si Maria na asawa ni Cleopas, at si Maria Magdalena. Nang makita ni Jesus ang kanyang ina at ang minamahal niyang alagad na nasa tabi nito, sinabi niya, “Ginang, narito ang iyong anak!” At sinabi niya sa alagad, “Narito ang iyong ina!” Mula noon, pinatira ng alagad na ito sa kanyang bahay ang ina ni Jesus. Alam ni Jesus na naganap na ang lahat ng bagay. Kaya't upang matupad ang kasulatan ay sinabi niya, “Nauuhaw ako!” May isang mangkok doon na puno ng maasim na alak. Inilubog nila rito ang isang espongha, ikinabit iyon sa isang tangkay ng hisopo at inilapit sa kanyang bibig. Pagkatanggap ni Jesus ng alak, sinabi niya, “Naganap na!” Iniyuko niya ang kanyang ulo at nalagot ang kanyang hininga.
DeleteNoo'y Araw ng Paghahanda, at ayaw ng mga Judio na manatili sa krus ang mga bangkay hanggang sa Araw ng Pamamahinga, dahil natatangi ang Araw na iyon ng Pamamahinga. Kaya't hiniling nila kay Pilato na ipabali ang mga binti ng mga ipinako sa krus at alisin ang mga bangkay. Pumunta nga roon ang mga kawal at binali ang mga binti ng dalawang ipinakong kasama ni Jesus. Ngunit pagdating nila kay Jesus at makitang patay na siya, hindi na nila binali ang kanyang mga binti. Subalit sinaksak ng isang kawal ang tagiliran ni Jesus sa pamamagitan ng sibat at agad lumabas doon ang dugo at tubig. Ang nakakita nito ang nagpatotoo upang kayo rin ay maniwala. Totoo ang kanyang pahayag at alam niyang katotohanan ang sinasabi niya. Nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinasabi sa kasulatan, “Walang mababali isa man sa kanyang mga buto.” At may bahagi pa rin ng kasulatan na nagsasabi, “Pagmamasdan nila ang kanilang sinaksak ng sibat.”
DeletePagkatapos nito, si Jose na taga-Arimatea ay nagsadya kay Pilato upang humingi ng pahintulot na makuha ang bangkay ni Jesus. (Dati ay inilihim ni Jose na siya'y isang alagad ni Jesus dahil sa takot niya sa mga pinuno ng mga Judio.) Pinahintulutan naman siya ni Pilato, kaya't kinuha niya ang bangkay ni Jesus. Kasama rin niya si Nicodemo na noong una ay sa gabi nagsadya kay Jesus. May dala itong pabango, mga tatlumpung kilong pinaghalong mira at aloe. Kinuha nila ang bangkay ni Jesus at nilagyan ng pabango at binalot sa telang lino, ayon sa kaugalian ng mga Judio. Malapit sa pinagpakuan kay Jesus ay may isang halamanan, at dito'y may isang bagong libingang hindi pa napaglilibingan. Dahil noon ay bisperas ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, at dahil malapit ang libingang ito, doon nila inilibing si Jesus.
Delete