Date: April 5, 2020
New American Bible readings
Gospel (Matthew 21: 1–11)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
First reading (Isaiah 50: 4–7)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
Second reading (Philippians 2: 6–11)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Gospel (Matthew 26:14 – 27:66)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.'” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed; but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without me drinking it, your will be done!” Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.” While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that, he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself. The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, “It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, and they paid it out for the potter’s field just as the Lord had commanded me. Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now on the occasion of the feast, the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, "Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha ¬—which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise, the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way. From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. Here all kneel and pause for a short time. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb. The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go, secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.
Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
First reading (Isaiah 50: 4–7)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.
Second reading (Philippians 2: 6–11)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Gospel (Matthew 26:14 – 27:66)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.'” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed; but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without me drinking it, your will be done!” Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.” While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that, he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself. The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, “It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, and they paid it out for the potter’s field just as the Lord had commanded me. Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now on the occasion of the feast, the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, "Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha ¬—which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise, the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way. From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. Here all kneel and pause for a short time. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb. The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go, secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.
Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings
Gospel (Matthew 21: 1–11)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When they drew near Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, stating, "Go to the village in front of you, and there you will find a donkey tied up with its colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone states something to you, state: The Lord needs them but he will send them back immediately." This happened in fulfillment of what the prophet stated: Say to the daughter of Zion: See, your king comes to you in all simplicity, riding on a donkey, a beast of burden, with its colt. The disciples went as Jesus had instructed them, and they brought the donkey with its colt. Then they threw their cloaks on its back, and Jesus sat on them. Many people also spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The people who walked ahead of Jesus and those who followed him began to shout: "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna, glory in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was disturbed. The people asked, "Who is this man?" And the crowd answered, "This is the Prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee."
First reading (Isaiah 50: 4–7)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The Lord God 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 God 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 God 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 a 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 Christ Jesus is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Gospel (Matthew 26:14 – 27:66)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went off to the chief priests and stated, "How much will you give me if I hand him over to you?" They promised to give him thirty pieces of silver, and from then on he kept looking for the best way to hand him over to him. On the first day of the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and stated to him, "Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?" Jesus answered, "Go into the city, to the house of a certain man, and tell him: 'The Master says: My hour is near, and I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples in your house.'" The disciples did as Jesus had ordered and prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus sat at the table with the Twelve. While they were eating, Jesus stated, "Truly, I say to you: one of you will betray me." They were deeply distressed and asked him in turn, "You do not mean me, do you, Lord?" He answered, "He who will betray me is one of those who dips his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures state he will. But alas for that one who betrays the Son of Man; better for him not to have been born." Judas, who was betraying him, also asked, "You do not mean me, Master, do you?" Jesus replied, "You have stated it." While they were eating, Jesus took bread, stated a blessing and broke it, and gave it to his disciples stating, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup and gave thanks, and passed it to them stating, "Drink this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Yes, I say to you: I will not taste the fruit of the vine from now until the day I drink new wine with you in my Father's kingdom. After singing psalms of praise, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus stated to them, "You will falter tonight because of me, and all will fall. For the Scripture states: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after my resurrection I will go ahead of you to Galilee." Peter responded, "Even though all doubt you and fall, I will never fall." Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you: this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." Peter stated, "Though I have to die with you, I will never deny you." And all the disciples stated the same. Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he stated to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over to pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be filled with anguish and distress. And he stated to them, "My soul is filled with sorrow even to death. Remain here and stay awake with me." He went a little farther and fell to the ground, with his face touching the earth, and prayed, "Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want." He went back to his disciples and found them asleep, and he stated to Peter, "Could you not stay awake with me for even an hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you may not slip into temptation. The spirit indeed is eager, but human nature is weak." He again went away and prayed, "Father, if this cup cannot be taken away from me without me drinking it, let your will be done." When he came back to his disciples, he again found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and again went to pray the third time, stating the same words. Then he came back to his disciples and stated to them, "You can sleep on now and take your rest! The hour has come and the Son of Man is now given over into the power of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look: the betrayer is here." Jesus was still speaking when Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Jewish authorities. The traitor had arranged a signal for them: "The one I kiss, he is the man; arrest him." And he went directly to Jesus and stated, "Good evening, Master" and he gave him a kiss. But Jesus stated to him, "Friend, do what you came for." Then they laid hold of Jesus and arrested him. One of those who were with Jesus drew his sword and struck the servant of the High Priest, cutting off his ear. So Jesus stated to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for he who uses the sword shall perish by the sword. Do you not know that I could call on my Father, and he would at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? If Scripture states that this has to be, should it not be fulfilled?" At that moment, Jesus stated to the crowd, "Why do you come to arrest me with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber? Day after day I was seated among you teaching in the Temple, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come about in fulfillment of what the Prophets stated." Then all of Jesus' disciples abandoned him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus brought him to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas, where the teachers of the Law and the Jewish authorities were assembled. Peter followed him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the High Priest; he entered and sat with the guards, waiting to see the end. The chief priests and the whole Supreme Council needed some false evidence against Jesus, so that they might put him to death. But they were unable to find any, even though false witnesses came forward. At last, two men came up and declared, "This man stated: I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days." The High Priest then stood up and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer at all? What is this evidence against you?" But Jesus kept silent. So the High Priest stated to him, "In the name of the living God, I command you to tell us: Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?" Jesus answered, "It is just as you say. I tell you more: from now on, you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful God and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the High Priest tore his clothes, stating, "He has blasphemed. What more evidence do we need? You have just heard these blasphemous words. What is your decision?" They answered, "He must die!" Then they began to spit on Jesus and slap him while others punched him with their fists, stating, "Messiah, prophesy! Who hit you?" Meanwhile, as Peter sat outside in the courtyard, a young servant-girl of the house stated to him, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." But he denied it before everyone, stating, "I do not know what you are talking about." And as Peter was going out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and told the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Peter denied it again with an oath, swearing, "I do not know that man." After a little while, those who were standing there approached Peter and stated to him, "Of course you are one of the Galileans; your accent gives you away." Peter began justifying himself with curses and oaths protesting that he did not know the man. Just then a cock crowed. And Peter remembered the words of Jesus, "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went away weeping bitterly. Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the Jewish authorities met to look for ways of putting Jesus to death. They had him bound and led him away to be handed over to Pilate, the governor. When Judas, the traitor, realized that Jesus had been condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, stating, "I have sinned by betraying an innocent man to death." They answered, "What does it matter to us? That is your concern." So, throwing the money into the Temple, he went away and hanged himself. The priests picked up the money, and stated, "This money cannot be put into the Temple treasury, for this is the price of blood." So they met together and decided to buy the Potter's Field with the money and make it a cemetery for foreigners. This is why that place has been called Field of Blood to this day. So what the prophet Jeremiah stated was fulfilled: They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price the sons of Israel set on him. And they gave them for the Potter's Field, as the Lord commanded me. Jesus stood before the governor who questioned him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "You say so." The chief priests and the Elders accused him, but he made no answer. Pilate stated to him, "Do you hear all the charges they bring against you?" But he did not answer even a single question, so that the governor wondered. It was customary for the governor to release any prisoner the people asked for on the occasion of the Passover. Now there was a well-known prisoner called Barabbas. As the people had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Whom do you want me to set free: Barabbas, or Jesus called the Messiah?" For he realized that Jesus had been handed over to him out of envy. As Pilate was sitting in court, his wife sent him this message, "Have nothing to do with that holy man. Because of him I had a dream last night that disturbed me greatly." But the chief priests and the Elders stirred the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas and the death of Jesus. When the governor asked them again, "Which of the two do you want me to set free?" they answered, "Barabbas." Pilate stated to them, "And what shall I do with Jesus called the Messiah?" All answered, "Crucify him!" Pilate insisted, "What evil has he done?" But they shouted louder, "Crucify him!" Pilate realized that he was getting nowhere and that instead there could be a riot. He then asked for water and washed his hands before the people, stating, "I am not responsible for his blood. It is your doing." And all the people answered, "Let his blood be upon us and upon our children." Then Pilate set Barabbas free, but had Jesus scourged, and handed him over to be crucified. The Roman soldiers took Jesus into the palace of the governor and the whole troop gathered around him. They stripped him and dressed him and a purple military cloak. Then, twisting a crowd of thorns, they forced it onto his head, and placed a reed in his right hand. They knelt before Jesus and mocked him, stating, "Long life to the King of the Jews!" They spat on him, took the reed from his hand and struck him on the head with it. When they had finished mocking him, they pulled off the purple cloak and dressed him in his own clothes again, and led him out to be crucified. On the way they met a man from Cyrene called Simon, and forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. When they reached the place called Golgotha (or Calvary) which means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with gall. Jesus tasted it but would not take it. There they crucified him and divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots to decide what each should take. Then they sat down to guard him. The statement of his offense was displayed above his head and it read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." They also crucified two bandits with him, one on his right, and one on his left. People passing by shook their heads and insulted him, stating, "Aha! So you will destroy the Temple and build it up again in three days. Now save yourself and come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God." In the same way the chief priests, the Elders and the teachers of the Law mocked him. They stated, "The man who saved others cannot save himself. Let the King of Israel now come down from his cross and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let God rescue him if God wants to, since he himself stated: I am the Son of God." Even the robbers who were crucified with him insulted him. From midday darkness fell over the whole land until mid-afternoon. At about three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lamma Sabbacthani?" which means: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? As soon as they heard this, some of the bystanders stated, "He is calling for Elijah." And one of them went quickly, took a sponge and soaked it in vinegar and, putting on a reed, gave him to drink. Others stated, "Leave him alone, let us see whether Elijah comes to his rescue." Then Jesus cried out again in a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Just then the curtain of the Temple sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and several holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after the resurrection of Jesus, entered the Holy City and appeared to many. The captain and the soldiers who guarded Jesus were greatly terrified when they saw the earthquake and all that had happened, and stated, "Truly, this man was a Son of God." There were also some women there who watched from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and saw to his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. It was now evening and there arrived a wealthy man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, and the governor ordered that the body be given him. So Joseph took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in a clean linen sheet and laid it in his own new tomb which had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance of the tomb and left. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there in front of the tomb. On the following day (the day after the Preparation for the Passover), the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate and stated to him, "Sir, we remember that when that impostor was still alive, he stated: I will rise after three days. Therefore, have his tomb secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal the body and state to the people: He was raised from the dead. This would be a worse lie than the first." Pilate answered them, "You have soldiers, go and take all the necessary precautions". So they went to the tomb and secured it, sealing the stone and placing it under guard.
When they drew near Jerusalem and arrived at Bethphage, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, stating, "Go to the village in front of you, and there you will find a donkey tied up with its colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone states something to you, state: The Lord needs them but he will send them back immediately." This happened in fulfillment of what the prophet stated: Say to the daughter of Zion: See, your king comes to you in all simplicity, riding on a donkey, a beast of burden, with its colt. The disciples went as Jesus had instructed them, and they brought the donkey with its colt. Then they threw their cloaks on its back, and Jesus sat on them. Many people also spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The people who walked ahead of Jesus and those who followed him began to shout: "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna, glory in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was disturbed. The people asked, "Who is this man?" And the crowd answered, "This is the Prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee."
First reading (Isaiah 50: 4–7)
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The Lord God 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 God 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 God 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 a 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 Christ Jesus is the Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Gospel (Matthew 26:14 – 27:66)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went off to the chief priests and stated, "How much will you give me if I hand him over to you?" They promised to give him thirty pieces of silver, and from then on he kept looking for the best way to hand him over to him. On the first day of the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and stated to him, "Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?" Jesus answered, "Go into the city, to the house of a certain man, and tell him: 'The Master says: My hour is near, and I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples in your house.'" The disciples did as Jesus had ordered and prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus sat at the table with the Twelve. While they were eating, Jesus stated, "Truly, I say to you: one of you will betray me." They were deeply distressed and asked him in turn, "You do not mean me, do you, Lord?" He answered, "He who will betray me is one of those who dips his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures state he will. But alas for that one who betrays the Son of Man; better for him not to have been born." Judas, who was betraying him, also asked, "You do not mean me, Master, do you?" Jesus replied, "You have stated it." While they were eating, Jesus took bread, stated a blessing and broke it, and gave it to his disciples stating, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup and gave thanks, and passed it to them stating, "Drink this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Yes, I say to you: I will not taste the fruit of the vine from now until the day I drink new wine with you in my Father's kingdom. After singing psalms of praise, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus stated to them, "You will falter tonight because of me, and all will fall. For the Scripture states: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after my resurrection I will go ahead of you to Galilee." Peter responded, "Even though all doubt you and fall, I will never fall." Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you: this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." Peter stated, "Though I have to die with you, I will never deny you." And all the disciples stated the same. Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he stated to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over to pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be filled with anguish and distress. And he stated to them, "My soul is filled with sorrow even to death. Remain here and stay awake with me." He went a little farther and fell to the ground, with his face touching the earth, and prayed, "Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want." He went back to his disciples and found them asleep, and he stated to Peter, "Could you not stay awake with me for even an hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you may not slip into temptation. The spirit indeed is eager, but human nature is weak." He again went away and prayed, "Father, if this cup cannot be taken away from me without me drinking it, let your will be done." When he came back to his disciples, he again found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and again went to pray the third time, stating the same words. Then he came back to his disciples and stated to them, "You can sleep on now and take your rest! The hour has come and the Son of Man is now given over into the power of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look: the betrayer is here." Jesus was still speaking when Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Jewish authorities. The traitor had arranged a signal for them: "The one I kiss, he is the man; arrest him." And he went directly to Jesus and stated, "Good evening, Master" and he gave him a kiss. But Jesus stated to him, "Friend, do what you came for." Then they laid hold of Jesus and arrested him. One of those who were with Jesus drew his sword and struck the servant of the High Priest, cutting off his ear. So Jesus stated to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for he who uses the sword shall perish by the sword. Do you not know that I could call on my Father, and he would at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? If Scripture states that this has to be, should it not be fulfilled?" At that moment, Jesus stated to the crowd, "Why do you come to arrest me with swords and clubs, as if I were a robber? Day after day I was seated among you teaching in the Temple, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come about in fulfillment of what the Prophets stated." Then all of Jesus' disciples abandoned him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus brought him to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas, where the teachers of the Law and the Jewish authorities were assembled. Peter followed him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the High Priest; he entered and sat with the guards, waiting to see the end. The chief priests and the whole Supreme Council needed some false evidence against Jesus, so that they might put him to death. But they were unable to find any, even though false witnesses came forward. At last, two men came up and declared, "This man stated: I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days." The High Priest then stood up and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer at all? What is this evidence against you?" But Jesus kept silent. So the High Priest stated to him, "In the name of the living God, I command you to tell us: Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?" Jesus answered, "It is just as you say. I tell you more: from now on, you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Most Powerful God and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the High Priest tore his clothes, stating, "He has blasphemed. What more evidence do we need? You have just heard these blasphemous words. What is your decision?" They answered, "He must die!" Then they began to spit on Jesus and slap him while others punched him with their fists, stating, "Messiah, prophesy! Who hit you?" Meanwhile, as Peter sat outside in the courtyard, a young servant-girl of the house stated to him, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." But he denied it before everyone, stating, "I do not know what you are talking about." And as Peter was going out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and told the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Peter denied it again with an oath, swearing, "I do not know that man." After a little while, those who were standing there approached Peter and stated to him, "Of course you are one of the Galileans; your accent gives you away." Peter began justifying himself with curses and oaths protesting that he did not know the man. Just then a cock crowed. And Peter remembered the words of Jesus, "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went away weeping bitterly. Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the Jewish authorities met to look for ways of putting Jesus to death. They had him bound and led him away to be handed over to Pilate, the governor. When Judas, the traitor, realized that Jesus had been condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, stating, "I have sinned by betraying an innocent man to death." They answered, "What does it matter to us? That is your concern." So, throwing the money into the Temple, he went away and hanged himself. The priests picked up the money, and stated, "This money cannot be put into the Temple treasury, for this is the price of blood." So they met together and decided to buy the Potter's Field with the money and make it a cemetery for foreigners. This is why that place has been called Field of Blood to this day. So what the prophet Jeremiah stated was fulfilled: They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price the sons of Israel set on him. And they gave them for the Potter's Field, as the Lord commanded me. Jesus stood before the governor who questioned him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "You say so." The chief priests and the Elders accused him, but he made no answer. Pilate stated to him, "Do you hear all the charges they bring against you?" But he did not answer even a single question, so that the governor wondered. It was customary for the governor to release any prisoner the people asked for on the occasion of the Passover. Now there was a well-known prisoner called Barabbas. As the people had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Whom do you want me to set free: Barabbas, or Jesus called the Messiah?" For he realized that Jesus had been handed over to him out of envy. As Pilate was sitting in court, his wife sent him this message, "Have nothing to do with that holy man. Because of him I had a dream last night that disturbed me greatly." But the chief priests and the Elders stirred the crowds to ask for the release of Barabbas and the death of Jesus. When the governor asked them again, "Which of the two do you want me to set free?" they answered, "Barabbas." Pilate stated to them, "And what shall I do with Jesus called the Messiah?" All answered, "Crucify him!" Pilate insisted, "What evil has he done?" But they shouted louder, "Crucify him!" Pilate realized that he was getting nowhere and that instead there could be a riot. He then asked for water and washed his hands before the people, stating, "I am not responsible for his blood. It is your doing." And all the people answered, "Let his blood be upon us and upon our children." Then Pilate set Barabbas free, but had Jesus scourged, and handed him over to be crucified. The Roman soldiers took Jesus into the palace of the governor and the whole troop gathered around him. They stripped him and dressed him and a purple military cloak. Then, twisting a crowd of thorns, they forced it onto his head, and placed a reed in his right hand. They knelt before Jesus and mocked him, stating, "Long life to the King of the Jews!" They spat on him, took the reed from his hand and struck him on the head with it. When they had finished mocking him, they pulled off the purple cloak and dressed him in his own clothes again, and led him out to be crucified. On the way they met a man from Cyrene called Simon, and forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. When they reached the place called Golgotha (or Calvary) which means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with gall. Jesus tasted it but would not take it. There they crucified him and divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots to decide what each should take. Then they sat down to guard him. The statement of his offense was displayed above his head and it read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews." They also crucified two bandits with him, one on his right, and one on his left. People passing by shook their heads and insulted him, stating, "Aha! So you will destroy the Temple and build it up again in three days. Now save yourself and come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God." In the same way the chief priests, the Elders and the teachers of the Law mocked him. They stated, "The man who saved others cannot save himself. Let the King of Israel now come down from his cross and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let God rescue him if God wants to, since he himself stated: I am the Son of God." Even the robbers who were crucified with him insulted him. From midday darkness fell over the whole land until mid-afternoon. At about three o'clock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lamma Sabbacthani?" which means: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? As soon as they heard this, some of the bystanders stated, "He is calling for Elijah." And one of them went quickly, took a sponge and soaked it in vinegar and, putting on a reed, gave him to drink. Others stated, "Leave him alone, let us see whether Elijah comes to his rescue." Then Jesus cried out again in a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Just then the curtain of the Temple sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and several holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after the resurrection of Jesus, entered the Holy City and appeared to many. The captain and the soldiers who guarded Jesus were greatly terrified when they saw the earthquake and all that had happened, and stated, "Truly, this man was a Son of God." There were also some women there who watched from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and saw to his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. It was now evening and there arrived a wealthy man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, and the governor ordered that the body be given him. So Joseph took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in a clean linen sheet and laid it in his own new tomb which had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance of the tomb and left. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there in front of the tomb. On the following day (the day after the Preparation for the Passover), the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate and stated to him, "Sir, we remember that when that impostor was still alive, he stated: I will rise after three days. Therefore, have his tomb secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal the body and state to the people: He was raised from the dead. This would be a worse lie than the first." Pilate answered them, "You have soldiers, go and take all the necessary precautions". So they went to the tomb and secured it, sealing the stone and placing it under guard.
The introduction to the Mass begins with the celebrant/priest greeting the congregation the usual way and provides a concise introduction, inviting them to take a full part in the celebration.
ReplyDeleteThis is the introduction for Palm Sunday, after the Entrance Hymn is sung.
DeleteAfter the Entrance Hymn, the priest and the congregation make the sign of the cross. He greets the people in the usual way. A brief address is given, in which the faithful are invited to participate actively and consciously in the celebration of this day, in these or similar words below.
Dear brethren (brothers and sisters), since the beginning of Lent until now we have prepared our hearts by penance and charitable works. Today we gather together herald with the whole Church the beginning of the celebration of our Lord's Paschal Mystery, that is to say, of his Passion and Resurrection. For it was to accomplish this mystery that he entered his own city of Jerusalem. Therefore, with all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord's entry into the city of our salvation, following in his footsteps, so that, being made by his grace partakers of the Cross, we may have a share also in his Resurrection and in his life.
This is the prayer that substitutes the Kyrie: Let us pray. Lord, increase the faith of your people and listen to our prayers. Today we honor Christ our triumphant King by carrying these branches. May we honor you every day by living always in him, for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
DeleteEl sacerdote y los ministros se llevan el color rojo el domingo de Ramos. El color rojo representa la felicidad por lo que cuenta el mensaje que Jesús entra a Jerusalén. El cuento de la entrada del Señor se proclama de uno de los cuatro Evangelios: Mateo, Marcos, Lucas, y Juan. El ciclo determinará cuál lectura del Evangelio se leerá. Se ve la etiqueta en la sección inferior de esta publicación.
DeleteThe Kyrie and Gloria are both omitted. Instead, the priest sprinkles the branches with holy water in silence.
ReplyDeleteAfter the first Gospel that talks about the Lord's entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21: 1–11), it is optional to provide a concise homily before starting the procession.
ReplyDeleteDuring the procession, if the incense is used, the thurifer goes first with a lighted censer, followed by the cross-bearer (with the cross suitably decorated) between two ministers with lighted candles, then the priest with ministers, and finally the congregation carrying branches. The choir and the congregation sing the appropriate songs. After the procession, the priest begins the Mass with the opening prayer.
DeleteThe passion (the Gospel reading: Matthew 26:14–27:66) is read by the deacon or, if there is no deacon available, by the priest. It may also be read by lay readers, with the part of Christ, reserved to the priest. It is proclaimed without candles or incense. The greeting and signs of the cross are omitted. Only the deacon/priest asks the blessing before the passion, as he does before the Gospel. After the passion, a concise homily is given.
DeleteDuring the procession, if the incense is used, the thurifer goes first with a lighted censer, followed by the cross-bearer (with the cross suitably decorated) between two ministers with lighted candles, then the priest with ministers, and finally the congregation carrying branches. The choir and the congregation sing the appropriate songs. After the procession, the priest begins the Mass with the opening prayer.
ReplyDeleteResponsorial Psalm (Psalm 22) (Verses 8–9, 17–20, and 23–24)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: "He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if he loves him."
Indeed, many dogs surround me, a pack of evildoers closes in upon me; they have pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.
I will proclaim your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you: "You who fear the LORD, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel!"
This responsorial psalm is taken from the New American Bible.
DeleteResponsorial Psalm (Psalm 22) (Verses 8–9, 17–20, and 23–24)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
All who see me make a jest of me; they sneer and shake their heads. "He put his trust in the Lord, let the Lord rescue him! If the Lord is his friend, let him help him!"
Round about me are vicious dogs, villainous rogues encircling me. They have tied up my hands and feet. They can count all my bones, for they are looking and watching me.
They divide my garments among them and casting lots for my raiment. O Lord, be not far from me! O my strength, come rapidly to my help.
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, I will praise you in the assembly, "All you who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him! All you sons of Israel, revere him!"
This responsorial psalm is taken from the Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible.
DeleteChrist became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
ReplyDeleteEvangelio (Mateo 21: 1–11)
ReplyDeleteUna lectura del Evangelio Santo según el San Mateo.
Estaban ya cerca de Jerusalén. Cuando llegaron a Betfagé, junto al monte de los Olivos, Jesús envió a dos discípulos con esta misión: “Vayan al pueblecito que está al frente, y allí encontrarán una burra atada con su burrito al lado. Desátenla y tráiganmela. Si alguien les dice algo, contéstenle: El Señor los necesita, y los devolverá cuanto antes.” Esto sucedió para que se cumpliera lo dicho por el profeta: Digan a la hija de Sión: “Mira que tu rey viene a ti con toda sencillez, montado en una burra, un animal de carga.” Los discípulos se fueron e hicieron como Jesús les había mandado. Le trajeron la burra con su cría, le colocaron sus mantos sobre el lomo y él se sentó encima. Había muchísima gente; extendían sus mantos en el camino, o bien cortaban ramas de árboles, con las que cubrían el suelo. Cuando Jesús entró en Jerusalén, toda la ciudad se alborotó y preguntaban: “¿Quién es éste?” Y la muchedumbre respondía: “¡Este es el profeta Jesús, de Nazaret de Galilea!”
Primera lectura (Isaías 50: 4–7)
DeleteUna lectura del libro del profeta Isaías.
El Señor Yahvé me ha concedido el poder hablar como su discípulo. Y ha puesto en mi boca las palabras para fortalecer al que está aburrido. A la mañana él despierta mi mente y lo escucho como lo hacen los discípulos. El Señor Yahvé me ha abierto los oídos y yo no me resistí ni me eché atrás. He ofrecido mi espalda a los que me golpeaban, mis mejillas a quienes me tiraban la barba, y no oculté mi rostro ante las injurias y los escupos. El Señor Yahvé está de mi parte, y por eso no me molestan las ofensas; por eso, puse mi cara dura como piedra, y yo sé que no quedaré frustrado.
Salmo responsorial (Salmo 22) (Versículos 8–9, 17–20 y 23–24)
La respuesta es: Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has abandonado?
• Los que me ven, se burlan de mí, hacen una mueca y mueven la cabeza, diciendo: “Confió en el Señor, que él lo libre; que lo salve, si lo quiere tanto.”
• Me rodea una jauría de perros, me asalta una banda de malhechores; taladran mis manos y mis pies. Yo puedo contar todos mis huesos; ellos me miran con aire de triunfo.
• Se reparten entre sí mi ropa y sortean mi túnica. Pero tú, Señor, no te quedes lejos; tú que eres mi fuerza, ven pronto a socorrerme.
• Yo anunciaré tu Nombre a mis hermanos, te alabaré en medio de la asamblea: Alábenlo, los que temen al Señor; glorifíquenlo, descendientes de Jacob; témanlo, descendientes de Israel.
Segunda lectura (Filipenses 2: 6–11)
Una lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los filipenses.
Él, que era de condición divina, no consideró esta igualdad con Dios como algo que debía guardar celosamente: al contrario, se anonadó a sí mismo, tomando la condición de servidor y haciéndose semejante a los hombres. Y presentándose con aspecto humano, se humilló hasta aceptar por obediencia la muerte y muerte de cruz. Por eso, Dios lo exaltó y le dio el Nombre que está sobre todo nombre, para que al nombre de Jesús, se doble toda rodilla en el cielo, en la tierra y en los abismos, y toda lengua proclame para gloria de Dios Padre: “Jesucristo es el Señor.”
Pasión (Mateo 26:14 – 27:66)
DeleteLa pasión del Evangelio Santo según el San Mateo.
Entonces uno de los Doce, que se llamaba Judas Iscariote, se presentó a los jefes de los sacerdotes y les dijo: “¿Cuánto me darán si se lo entrego?” Ellos prometieron darle treinta monedas de plata. Y a partir de ese momento, Judas andaba buscando una oportunidad para entregárselo. El primer día de la Fiesta en que se comía el pan sin levadura, los discípulos se acercaron a Jesús y le dijeron: “¿Dónde quieres que preparemos la comida de la Pascua?” Jesús contestó: “Vayan a la ciudad, a casa de tal hombre, y díganle: El Maestro te manda decir: Mi hora se acerca y quiero celebrar la Pascua con mis discípulos en tu casa.” Los discípulos hicieron tal como Jesús les había ordenado y prepararon la Pascua. Llegada la tarde, Jesús se puso a la mesa con los Doce. Y mientras comían, les dijo: “En verdad les digo: uno de ustedes me va a traicionar.” Se sintieron profundamente afligidos, y uno a uno comenzaron a preguntarle: “¿Seré yo, Señor?” Él contestó: “El que me va a entregar es uno de los que mojan su pan conmigo en el plato. El Hijo del Hombre se va, como dicen las Escrituras, pero ¡pobre de aquel que entrega al Hijo del Hombre! ¡Sería mejor para él no haber nacido!” Judas, el que lo iba a entregar, le preguntó también: “¿Seré yo acaso, Maestro?” Jesús respondió: “Tú lo has dicho.” Mientras comían, Jesús tomó pan, pronunció la bendición, lo partió y lo dio a sus discípulos, diciendo: “Tomen y coman; esto es mi cuerpo.” Después tomó una copa, dio gracias y se la pasó diciendo: “Beban todos de ella: esto es mi sangre, la sangre de la Alianza, que es derramada por muchos, para el perdón de sus pecados. Y les digo que desde ahora no volveré a beber del fruto de la vid, hasta el día en que lo beba nuevo con ustedes en el Reino de mi Padre.” Después de cantar los salmos, partieron para el monte de los Olivos. Entonces Jesús les dijo: “Todos ustedes caerán esta noche: ya no sabrán qué pensar de mí. Pues dice la Escritura: Heriré al Pastor y se dispersarán las ovejas. Pero después de mi resurrección iré delante de ustedes a Galilea.” Pedro empezó a decirle: “Aunque todos tropiecen, yo nunca dudaré de ti.” Jesús le replicó: “Yo te aseguro que esta misma noche, antes de que cante el gallo, me habrás negado tres veces.” Pedro insistió: “Aunque tenga que morir contigo, jamás te negaré.” Y los demás discípulos le aseguraban lo mismo. Llegó Jesús con ellos a un lugar llamado Getsemaní, y dijo a sus discípulos: “Siéntense aquí, mientras yo voy más allá a orar.” Tomó consigo a Pedro y a los dos hijos de Zebedeo y comenzó a sentir tristeza y angustia. Y les dijo: “Siento una tristeza de muerte. Quédense aquí conmigo y permanezcan despiertos.” Fue un poco más adelante y, postrándose hasta tocar la tierra con su cara, oró así: “Padre, si es posible, que esta copa se aleje de mí. Pero no se haga lo que yo quiero, sino lo que quieres tú.” Volvió donde sus discípulos, los halló dormidos; y dijo a Pedro: “¿De modo que no pudieron permanecer despiertos ni una hora conmigo? Estén despiertos y recen para que no caigan en la tentación. El espíritu es animoso, pero la carne es débil.” De nuevo se apartó por segunda vez a orar: “Padre, si esta copa no puede ser apartada de mí sin que yo la beba, que se haga tu voluntad.” Volvió otra vez donde los discípulos y los encontró dormidos, pues se les cerraban los ojos de sueño. Los dejó, pues, y fue de nuevo a orar por tercera vez repitiendo las mismas palabras. Entonces volvió donde los discípulos y les dijo: “¡Ahora pueden dormir y descansar! Ha llegado la hora y el Hijo del Hombre es entregado en manos de pecadores. ¡Levántense, vamos! El traidor está a punto de llegar.”
Estaba todavía hablando, cuando llegó Judas, uno de los Doce. Iba acompañado de una chusma armada con espadas y garrotes, enviada por los jefes de los sacerdotes y por las autoridades judías. El traidor les había dado esta señal: “Al que yo dé un beso, ése es; arréstenlo.” Se fue directamente donde Jesús y le dijo: “Buenas noches, Maestro.” Y le dio un beso. Le dijo: “Amigo, haz lo que vienes a hacer.” Entonces se acercaron a Jesús y lo arrestaron. Uno de los que estaban con Jesús sacó la espada e hirió al sirviente del sumo sacerdote, cortándole una oreja. Entonces Jesús le dijo: “Vuelve la espada a su sitio, pues quien usa la espada perecerá por la espada. ¿No sabes que podría invocar a mi Padre y él, al momento, me mandaría más de doce ejércitos de ángeles? Pero así había de suceder, y tienen que cumplirse las Escrituras.” En ese momento, Jesús dijo a la gente: “A lo mejor buscan un ladrón y por eso salieron a detenerme con espadas y palos. Yo sin embargo me sentaba diariamente entre ustedes en el Templo para enseñar, y no me detuvieron. Todo esto sucedió para que se cumpliera lo que escribieron los profetas. Entonces todos los discípulos lo abandonaron y huyeron. Los que tomaron preso a Jesús lo llevaron a casa del sumo sacerdote Caifás, donde se habían reunido los maestros de la Ley y las autoridades judías. Pedro lo iba siguiendo de lejos, hasta llegar al palacio del sumo sacerdote. Entró en el patio y se sentó con los policías del Templo, para ver en qué terminaba todo. Los jefes de los sacerdotes y el Consejo Supremo andaban buscando alguna declaración falsa contra Jesús, para poderlo condenar a muerte. Pero pasaban los falsos testigos y no se encontraba nada. Al fin llegaron dos que declararon: “Este hombre dijo: Yo soy capaz de destruir el Templo de Dios y de reconstruirlo en tres días.” Entonces el sumo sacerdote se puso de pie y preguntó a Jesús: “¿No tienes nada que responder? ¿Qué es esto que declaran en contra tuya?” Pero Jesús se quedó callado. Entonces el sumo sacerdote le dijo: “En el nombre del Dios vivo te ordeno que nos contestes: ¿Eres tú el Mesías, el Hijo de Dios?” Jesús le respondió: “Así es, tal como tú lo has dicho. Y yo les digo más: a partir de ahora ustedes contemplarán al Hijo del Hombre sentado a la derecha del Dios Todopoderoso, y lo verán venir sobre las nubes del cielo.” Entonces el sumo sacerdote se rasgó las ropas, diciendo: “¡Ha blasfemado! ¿Para qué necesitamos más testigos? Ustedes mismos acaban de oír estas palabras blasfemas. ¿Qué deciden ustedes?” Ellos contestaron: “¡Merece la muerte!” Luego comenzaron a escupirle en la cara y a darle bofetadas, mientras otros lo golpeaban, diciéndole: “Mesías, ¡adivina quién te pegó!” Mientras tanto, Pedro estaba sentado afuera, en el patio. Una sirvienta se acercó y le dijo: “Tú también estabas con Jesús, el Galileo.” Pero él lo negó delante de todos, diciendo: “No sé de qué estás hablando.” Y como Pedro se dirigiera hacia la salida, lo vio otra sirvienta, que dijo a los presentes: “Este hombre andaba con Jesús de Nazaret.” Pedro lo negó por segunda vez, jurando: “Yo no conozco a ese hombre.” Un poco después se acercaron los que estaban allí y dijeron a Pedro: “Sin duda que eres uno de los galileos: se nota por tu modo de hablar.” Entonces Pedro empezó a proferir maldiciones y a afirmar con juramento que no conocía a aquel hombre. Y en aquel mismo momento cantó un gallo. Entonces Pedro se acordó de las palabras que Jesús le había dicho: “Antes de que cante el gallo me negarás tres veces.” Y saliendo fuera, lloró amargamente.
DeleteAl amanecer, todos los jefes de los sacerdotes y las autoridades judías celebraron una reunión para decidir la manera de hacer morir a Jesús. Luego lo ataron y lo llevaron para entregárselo a Pilato, el gobernador. Cuando Judas, el traidor, supo que Jesús había sido condenado, se llenó de remordimientos y devolvió las treinta monedas de plata a los jefes de los sacerdotes y a los jefes judíos. Les dijo: “He pecado: he entregado a la muerte a un inocente.” Ellos le contestaron: “¿Qué nos importa eso a nosotros? Es asunto tuyo.” Entonces él, arrojando las monedas en el Templo, se marchó y fue a ahorcarse. Los jefes de los sacerdotes recogieron las monedas, pero dijeron: “No se puede echar este dinero en el tesoro del Templo, porque es precio de sangre.” Entonces se pusieron de acuerdo para comprar con aquel dinero el Campo del Alfarero y lo destinaron para cementerio de extranjeros. Por eso ese lugar es llamado Campo de Sangre hasta el día de hoy. Así se cumplió lo que había dicho el profeta Jeremías: Tomaron las treinta monedas de plata, que fue el precio en que lo tasaron los hijos de Israel, y las dieron por el Campo del Alfarero, tal como el Señor me lo ordenó. Jesús compareció ante el gobernador, y éste comenzó a interrogarlo. Le preguntó: “¿Eres tú el rey de los judíos?” Jesús contestó: “Tú eres el que lo dice.” Los jefes de los sacerdotes y las autoridades judías lo acusaban, pero Jesús no contestó nada. Pilato le dijo: “¿No oyes todos los cargos que presentan contra ti?” Pero Jesús no dijo ni una palabra, de modo que el gobernador se sorprendió mucho. Con ocasión de la Pascua, el gobernador tenía la costumbre de dejar en libertad a un condenado, a elección de la gente. De hecho el pueblo tenía entonces un detenido famoso, llamado Barrabás. Cuando se juntó toda la gente, Pilato les dijo: “¿A quién quieren que deje libre, a Barrabás o a Jesús, llamado el Cristo?” Porque sabía que le habían entregado a Jesús por envidia. Mientras Pilato estaba en el tribunal, su mujer le mandó a decir: “No te metas con ese hombre porque es un santo, y anoche tuve un sueño horrible por causa de él.” Mientras tanto, los jefes de los sacerdotes y los jefes de los judíos persuadieron al gentío a que pidieran la libertad de Barrabás y la muerte de Jesús. Cuando el gobernador volvió a preguntarles: “¿A cuál de los dos quieren que les suelte?”, ellos contestaron: “A Barrabás.” Pilato les dijo: “¿Y qué hago con Jesús, llamado el Cristo?” Todos contestaron: “¡Crucifícalo!” Pilato insistió: “¿Qué ha hecho de malo?” Pero ellos gritaban cada vez con más fuerza: “¡Que sea crucificado!” Al darse cuenta Pilato de que no conseguía nada, sino que más bien aumentaba el alboroto, pidió agua y se lavó las manos delante del pueblo. Y les dijo: “Ustedes responderán por su sangre, yo no tengo la culpa.” Y todo el pueblo con testó: “¡Que su sangre caiga sobre nosotros y sobre nuestros hijos!” Entonces Pilato le soltó a Barrabás. Mandó azotar a Jesús y lo entregó a los que debían crucificarlo.
DeleteLos soldados romanos llevaron a Jesús al patio del palacio y reunieron a toda la tropa en torno a él. Le quitaron sus vestidos y le pusieron una capa de soldado de color rojo. Después le colocaron en la cabeza una corona que habían trenzado con espinos y en la mano derecha le pusieron una caña. Doblaban la rodilla ante Jesús y se burlaban de él, diciendo: “¡Viva el rey de los judíos!” Le escupían en la cara y con la caña le golpeaban en la cabeza. Cuando terminaron de burlarse de él, le quitaron la capa de soldado, le pusieron de nuevo sus ropas y lo llevaron a crucificar. Por el camino se encontraron con un hombre de Cirene, llamado Simón, y le obligaron a que cargara con la cruz de Jesús. Cuando llegaron al lugar que se llama Gólgota (o Calvario), o sea, ‘calavera’, le dieron a beber vino mezclado con hiel. Jesús lo probó, pero no lo quiso beber. Allí lo crucificaron y después se repartieron entre ellos la ropa de Jesús, echándola a suertes. Luego se sentaron a vigilarlo. Encima de su cabeza habían puesto un letrero con el motivo de su condena, en el que se leía: “Este es Jesús, el rey de los judíos.” También crucificaron con él a dos ladrones, uno a su derecha y el otro a su izquierda. Los que pasaban por allí lo insultaban; movían la cabeza y decían: “¡Vaya! ¡Tú que destruyes el Templo y lo levantas de nuevo en tres días! Si eres el Hijo de Dios, líbrate del suplicio y baja de la cruz.” Los jefes de los sacerdotes, los jefes de los judíos y los maestros de la Ley también se burlaban de él. Decían: “¡Ha salvado a otros y no es capaz de salvarse a sí mismo! ¡Que baje de la cruz el Rey de Israel y creeremos en él! Ha puesto su confianza en Dios. Si Dios lo ama, que lo salve, pues él mismo dijo: Soy hijo de Dios.” Hasta los ladrones que habían sido crucificados con él lo insultaban. Desde el mediodía hasta las tres de la tarde todo el país se cubrió de tinieblas. A eso de las tres, Jesús gritó con fuerza: Elí, Elí, lamá sabactani, que quiere decir: “Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has abandonado?” Al oírlo, algunos de los presentes decían: “Está llamando a Elías.” Uno de ellos corrió, tomó una esponja, la empapó en vinagre y la puso en la punta de una caña para darle de beber. Los otros le decían: “Déjalo, veamos si viene Elías a salvarlo.” Pero nuevamente Jesús dio un fuerte grito y entregó su espíritu. En ese mismo instante la cortina del Santuario se rasgó de arriba abajo, en dos partes. La tierra tembló, las rocas se partieron, los sepulcros se abrieron y resucitaron varias personas santas que habían llegado ya al descanso. Estas salieron de las sepulturas después de la resurrección de Jesús, fueron a la Ciudad Santa y se aparecieron a mucha gente. El capitán y los soldados que custodiaban a Jesús, al ver el temblor y todo lo que estaba pasando, se llenaron de terror y decían: “Verdaderamente este hombre era Hijo de Dios.”
DeleteTambién estaban allí, observándolo todo, algunas mujeres que desde Galilea habían seguido a Jesús para servirlo. Entre ellas estaban María Magdalena, María, madre de Santiago y de José, y la madre de los hijos de Zebedeo. Siendo ya tarde, llegó un hombre rico de Arimatea, llamado José, que también se había hecho discípulo de Jesús. Se presentó a Pilato y le pidió el cuerpo de Jesús, y el gobernador ordenó que se lo entregaran. José tomó entonces el cuerpo de Jesús, lo envolvió en una sábana limpia y lo colocó en el sepulcro nuevo que se había hecho excavar en la roca. Después hizo rodar una gran piedra sobre la entrada del sepulcro y se fue. Mientras tanto, María Magdalena y la otra María estaban allí, sentadas frente al sepulcro. Al día siguiente (el día después de la Preparación de la Pascua), los jefes de los sacerdotes y los fariseos se presentaron a Pilato y le dijeron: “Señor, nos hemos acordado que ese mentiroso dijo cuando aún vivía: Después de tres días resucitaré. Ordena, pues, que sea asegurado el sepulcro hasta el tercer día, no sea que vayan sus discípulos, roben el cuerpo y digan al pueblo: Resucitó de entre los muertos. Este sería un engaño más perjudicial que el primero.” Pilato les respondió: “Ahí tienen una guardia. Vayan ustedes y tomen todas las precauciones que crean convenientes.” Ellos, pues, fueron al sepulcro y lo aseguraron. Sellaron la piedra que cerraba la entrada y pusieron guardia.
DeleteAl amanecer, todos los jefes de los sacerdotes y las autoridades judías celebraron una reunión para decidir la manera de hacer morir a Jesús. Luego lo ataron y lo llevaron para entregárselo a Pilato, el gobernador. Cuando Judas, el traidor, supo que Jesús había sido condenado, se llenó de remordimientos y devolvió las treinta monedas de plata a los jefes de los sacerdotes y a los jefes judíos. Les dijo: “He pecado: he entregado a la muerte a un inocente.” Ellos le contestaron: “¿Qué nos importa eso a nosotros? Es asunto tuyo.” Entonces él, arrojando las monedas en el Templo, se marchó y fue a ahorcarse. Los jefes de los sacerdotes recogieron las monedas, pero dijeron: “No se puede echar este dinero en el tesoro del Templo, porque es precio de sangre.” Entonces se pusieron de acuerdo para comprar con aquel dinero el Campo del Alfarero y lo destinaron para cementerio de extranjeros. Por eso ese lugar es llamado Campo de Sangre hasta el día de hoy. Así se cumplió lo que había dicho el profeta Jeremías: Tomaron las treinta monedas de plata, que fue el precio en que lo tasaron los hijos de Israel, y las dieron por el Campo del Alfarero, tal como el Señor me lo ordenó. Jesús compareció ante el gobernador, y éste comenzó a interrogarlo. Le preguntó: “¿Eres tú el rey de los judíos?” Jesús contestó: “Tú eres el que lo dice.” Los jefes de los sacerdotes y las autoridades judías lo acusaban, pero Jesús no contestó nada. Pilato le dijo: “¿No oyes todos los cargos que presentan contra ti?” Pero Jesús no dijo ni una palabra, de modo que el gobernador se sorprendió mucho. Con ocasión de la Pascua, el gobernador tenía la costumbre de dejar en libertad a un condenado, a elección de la gente. De hecho el pueblo tenía entonces un detenido famoso, llamado Barrabás. Cuando se juntó toda la gente, Pilato les dijo: “¿A quién quieren que deje libre, a Barrabás o a Jesús, llamado el Cristo?” Porque sabía que le habían entregado a Jesús por envidia. Mientras Pilato estaba en el tribunal, su mujer le mandó a decir: “No te metas con ese hombre porque es un santo, y anoche tuve un sueño horrible por causa de él.” Mientras tanto, los jefes de los sacerdotes y los jefes de los judíos persuadieron al gentío a que pidieran la libertad de Barrabás y la muerte de Jesús. Cuando el gobernador volvió a preguntarles: “¿A cuál de los dos quieren que les suelte?”, ellos contestaron: “A Barrabás.” Pilato les dijo: “¿Y qué hago con Jesús, llamado el Cristo?” Todos contestaron: “¡Crucifícalo!” Pilato insistió: “¿Qué ha hecho de malo?” Pero ellos gritaban cada vez con más fuerza: “¡Que sea crucificado!” Al darse cuenta Pilato de que no conseguía nada, sino que más bien aumentaba el alboroto, pidió agua y se lavó las manos delante del pueblo. Y les dijo: “Ustedes responderán por su sangre, yo no tengo la culpa.” Y todo el pueblo con testó: “¡Que su sangre caiga sobre nosotros y sobre nuestros hijos!” Entonces Pilato le soltó a Barrabás. Mandó azotar a Jesús y lo entregó a los que debían crucificarlo.
DeleteLos soldados romanos llevaron a Jesús al patio del palacio y reunieron a toda la tropa en torno a él. Le quitaron sus vestidos y le pusieron una capa de soldado de color rojo. Después le colocaron en la cabeza una corona que habían trenzado con espinos y en la mano derecha le pusieron una caña. Doblaban la rodilla ante Jesús y se burlaban de él, diciendo: “¡Viva el rey de los judíos!” Le escupían en la cara y con la caña le golpeaban en la cabeza. Cuando terminaron de burlarse de él, le quitaron la capa de soldado, le pusieron de nuevo sus ropas y lo llevaron a crucificar. Por el camino se encontraron con un hombre de Cirene, llamado Simón, y le obligaron a que cargara con la cruz de Jesús. Cuando llegaron al lugar que se llama Gólgota (o Calvario), o sea, ‘calavera’, le dieron a beber vino mezclado con hiel. Jesús lo probó, pero no lo quiso beber. Allí lo crucificaron y después se repartieron entre ellos la ropa de Jesús, echándola a suertes. Luego se sentaron a vigilarlo. Encima de su cabeza habían puesto un letrero con el motivo de su condena, en el que se leía: “Este es Jesús, el rey de los judíos.” También crucificaron con él a dos ladrones, uno a su derecha y el otro a su izquierda. Los que pasaban por allí lo insultaban; movían la cabeza y decían: “¡Vaya! ¡Tú que destruyes el Templo y lo levantas de nuevo en tres días! Si eres el Hijo de Dios, líbrate del suplicio y baja de la cruz.” Los jefes de los sacerdotes, los jefes de los judíos y los maestros de la Ley también se burlaban de él. Decían: “¡Ha salvado a otros y no es capaz de salvarse a sí mismo! ¡Que baje de la cruz el Rey de Israel y creeremos en él! Ha puesto su confianza en Dios. Si Dios lo ama, que lo salve, pues él mismo dijo: Soy hijo de Dios.” Hasta los ladrones que habían sido crucificados con él lo insultaban. Desde el mediodía hasta las tres de la tarde todo el país se cubrió de tinieblas. A eso de las tres, Jesús gritó con fuerza: Elí, Elí, lamá sabactani, que quiere decir: “Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has abandonado?” Al oírlo, algunos de los presentes decían: “Está llamando a Elías.” Uno de ellos corrió, tomó una esponja, la empapó en vinagre y la puso en la punta de una caña para darle de beber. Los otros le decían: “Déjalo, veamos si viene Elías a salvarlo.” Pero nuevamente Jesús dio un fuerte grito y entregó su espíritu. En ese mismo instante la cortina del Santuario se rasgó de arriba abajo, en dos partes. La tierra tembló, las rocas se partieron, los sepulcros se abrieron y resucitaron varias personas santas que habían llegado ya al descanso. Estas salieron de las sepulturas después de la resurrección de Jesús, fueron a la Ciudad Santa y se aparecieron a mucha gente. El capitán y los soldados que custodiaban a Jesús, al ver el temblor y todo lo que estaba pasando, se llenaron de terror y decían: “Verdaderamente este hombre era Hijo de Dios.”
DeleteTambién estaban allí, observándolo todo, algunas mujeres que desde Galilea habían seguido a Jesús para servirlo. Entre ellas estaban María Magdalena, María, madre de Santiago y de José, y la madre de los hijos de Zebedeo. Siendo ya tarde, llegó un hombre rico de Arimatea, llamado José, que también se había hecho discípulo de Jesús. Se presentó a Pilato y le pidió el cuerpo de Jesús, y el gobernador ordenó que se lo entregaran. José tomó entonces el cuerpo de Jesús, lo envolvió en una sábana limpia y lo colocó en el sepulcro nuevo que se había hecho excavar en la roca. Después hizo rodar una gran piedra sobre la entrada del sepulcro y se fue. Mientras tanto, María Magdalena y la otra María estaban allí, sentadas frente al sepulcro. Al día siguiente (el día después de la Preparación de la Pascua), los jefes de los sacerdotes y los fariseos se presentaron a Pilato y le dijeron: “Señor, nos hemos acordado que ese mentiroso dijo cuando aún vivía: Después de tres días resucitaré. Ordena, pues, que sea asegurado el sepulcro hasta el tercer día, no sea que vayan sus discípulos, roben el cuerpo y digan al pueblo: Resucitó de entre los muertos. Este sería un engaño más perjudicial que el primero.” Pilato les respondió: “Ahí tienen una guardia. Vayan ustedes y tomen todas las precauciones que crean convenientes.” Ellos, pues, fueron al sepulcro y lo aseguraron. Sellaron la piedra que cerraba la entrada y pusieron guardia.
DeleteAl amanecer, todos los jefes de los sacerdotes y las autoridades judías celebraron una reunión para decidir la manera de hacer morir a Jesús. Luego lo ataron y lo llevaron para entregárselo a Pilato, el gobernador. Cuando Judas, el traidor, supo que Jesús había sido condenado, se llenó de remordimientos y devolvió las treinta monedas de plata a los jefes de los sacerdotes y a los jefes judíos. Les dijo: “He pecado: he entregado a la muerte a un inocente.” Ellos le contestaron: “¿Qué nos importa eso a nosotros? Es asunto tuyo.” Entonces él, arrojando las monedas en el Templo, se marchó y fue a ahorcarse. Los jefes de los sacerdotes recogieron las monedas, pero dijeron: “No se puede echar este dinero en el tesoro del Templo, porque es precio de sangre.” Entonces se pusieron de acuerdo para comprar con aquel dinero el Campo del Alfarero y lo destinaron para cementerio de extranjeros. Por eso ese lugar es llamado Campo de Sangre hasta el día de hoy. Así se cumplió lo que había dicho el profeta Jeremías: Tomaron las treinta monedas de plata, que fue el precio en que lo tasaron los hijos de Israel, y las dieron por el Campo del Alfarero, tal como el Señor me lo ordenó. Jesús compareció ante el gobernador, y éste comenzó a interrogarlo. Le preguntó: “¿Eres tú el rey de los judíos?” Jesús contestó: “Tú eres el que lo dice.” Los jefes de los sacerdotes y las autoridades judías lo acusaban, pero Jesús no contestó nada. Pilato le dijo: “¿No oyes todos los cargos que presentan contra ti?” Pero Jesús no dijo ni una palabra, de modo que el gobernador se sorprendió mucho. Con ocasión de la Pascua, el gobernador tenía la costumbre de dejar en libertad a un condenado, a elección de la gente. De hecho el pueblo tenía entonces un detenido famoso, llamado Barrabás. Cuando se juntó toda la gente, Pilato les dijo: “¿A quién quieren que deje libre, a Barrabás o a Jesús, llamado el Cristo?” Porque sabía que le habían entregado a Jesús por envidia. Mientras Pilato estaba en el tribunal, su mujer le mandó a decir: “No te metas con ese hombre porque es un santo, y anoche tuve un sueño horrible por causa de él.” Mientras tanto, los jefes de los sacerdotes y los jefes de los judíos persuadieron al gentío a que pidieran la libertad de Barrabás y la muerte de Jesús. Cuando el gobernador volvió a preguntarles: “¿A cuál de los dos quieren que les suelte?”, ellos contestaron: “A Barrabás.” Pilato les dijo: “¿Y qué hago con Jesús, llamado el Cristo?” Todos contestaron: “¡Crucifícalo!” Pilato insistió: “¿Qué ha hecho de malo?” Pero ellos gritaban cada vez con más fuerza: “¡Que sea crucificado!” Al darse cuenta Pilato de que no conseguía nada, sino que más bien aumentaba el alboroto, pidió agua y se lavó las manos delante del pueblo. Y les dijo: “Ustedes responderán por su sangre, yo no tengo la culpa.” Y todo el pueblo con testó: “¡Que su sangre caiga sobre nosotros y sobre nuestros hijos!” Entonces Pilato le soltó a Barrabás. Mandó azotar a Jesús y lo entregó a los que debían crucificarlo.
DeleteLos soldados romanos llevaron a Jesús al patio del palacio y reunieron a toda la tropa en torno a él. Le quitaron sus vestidos y le pusieron una capa de soldado de color rojo. Después le colocaron en la cabeza una corona que habían trenzado con espinos y en la mano derecha le pusieron una caña. Doblaban la rodilla ante Jesús y se burlaban de él, diciendo: “¡Viva el rey de los judíos!” Le escupían en la cara y con la caña le golpeaban en la cabeza. Cuando terminaron de burlarse de él, le quitaron la capa de soldado, le pusieron de nuevo sus ropas y lo llevaron a crucificar. Por el camino se encontraron con un hombre de Cirene, llamado Simón, y le obligaron a que cargara con la cruz de Jesús. Cuando llegaron al lugar que se llama Gólgota (o Calvario), o sea, ‘calavera’, le dieron a beber vino mezclado con hiel. Jesús lo probó, pero no lo quiso beber. Allí lo crucificaron y después se repartieron entre ellos la ropa de Jesús, echándola a suertes. Luego se sentaron a vigilarlo. Encima de su cabeza habían puesto un letrero con el motivo de su condena, en el que se leía: “Este es Jesús, el rey de los judíos.” También crucificaron con él a dos ladrones, uno a su derecha y el otro a su izquierda. Los que pasaban por allí lo insultaban; movían la cabeza y decían: “¡Vaya! ¡Tú que destruyes el Templo y lo levantas de nuevo en tres días! Si eres el Hijo de Dios, líbrate del suplicio y baja de la cruz.” Los jefes de los sacerdotes, los jefes de los judíos y los maestros de la Ley también se burlaban de él. Decían: “¡Ha salvado a otros y no es capaz de salvarse a sí mismo! ¡Que baje de la cruz el Rey de Israel y creeremos en él! Ha puesto su confianza en Dios. Si Dios lo ama, que lo salve, pues él mismo dijo: Soy hijo de Dios.” Hasta los ladrones que habían sido crucificados con él lo insultaban. Desde el mediodía hasta las tres de la tarde todo el país se cubrió de tinieblas. A eso de las tres, Jesús gritó con fuerza: Elí, Elí, lamá sabactani, que quiere decir: “Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has abandonado?” Al oírlo, algunos de los presentes decían: “Está llamando a Elías.” Uno de ellos corrió, tomó una esponja, la empapó en vinagre y la puso en la punta de una caña para darle de beber. Los otros le decían: “Déjalo, veamos si viene Elías a salvarlo.” Pero nuevamente Jesús dio un fuerte grito y entregó su espíritu. En ese mismo instante la cortina del Santuario se rasgó de arriba abajo, en dos partes. La tierra tembló, las rocas se partieron, los sepulcros se abrieron y resucitaron varias personas santas que habían llegado ya al descanso. Estas salieron de las sepulturas después de la resurrección de Jesús, fueron a la Ciudad Santa y se aparecieron a mucha gente. El capitán y los soldados que custodiaban a Jesús, al ver el temblor y todo lo que estaba pasando, se llenaron de terror y decían: “Verdaderamente este hombre era Hijo de Dios.”
DeleteEbanghelyo (Mateo 21: 1–11)
ReplyDeleteAng magandang balita ayon kay San Mateo.
Nang malapit na sila sa Jerusalem, dumaan sila sa Bethfage, sa Bundok ng mga Olibo. Inutusan ni Jesus ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad, “Pumunta kayo sa susunod na nayon at makikita ninyo kaagad doon ang isang babaing asno na nakatali, kasama ang kanyang anak. Kalagan ninyo ang mga iyon at dalhin sa akin. Kapag may nagtanong sa inyo, sabihin ninyong kailangan iyon ng Panginoon at ibibigay niya agad ang mga iyon sa inyo.” Sa gayon, natupad ang sinabi ng propeta: “Sa lungsod ng Zion ay ipahayag ninyo, ‘Tingnan mo, ang iyong hari ay dumarating. Siya'y mapagpakumbaba; masdan mo't siya'y nakasakay sa isang asno, at sa isang bisiro na anak ng asno.’” Lumakad nga ang mga alagad at ginawa ang iniutos ni Jesus. Dinala nila kay Jesus ang asno at ang bisiro, at isinapin sa likod ng mga ito ang kanilang balabal at sumakay si Jesus. Maraming naglatag ng kanilang balabal sa daan; mayroon namang pumutol ng mga sanga ng kahoy at ito'y inilatag sa daan. Nagsisigawan ang mga taong nauuna at sumusunod sa kanya. Sigaw nila, “Purihin ang anak ni David! Pinagpala ang dumarating sa pangalan ng Panginoon! Purihin ang Diyos!” Pagpasok ni Jesus sa Jerusalem, nagulo ang buong lungsod. “Sino kaya ito?” tanong nila. “Si Jesus, ang propetang taga-Nazaret sa Galilea,” sagot ng karamihan.
Unang pagbabasa (Isaias 50: 4–7)
Ang pagbabasa sa aklat ni propeta Isaias.
Ang Panginoong Yahweh ang nagturo sa akin ng aking sasabihin, para tulungan ang mahihina. Tuwing umaga'y nananabik akong malaman kung ano ang ituturo niya sa akin. Binigyan ako ng Panginoong Yahweh ng pang-unawa, hindi ako naghimagsik o tumalikod sa kanya. Hindi ako gumanti nang bugbugin nila ako, hindi ako kumibo nang insultuhin nila ako. Pinabayaan ko silang bunutin ang aking balbas at luraan ang aking mukha. Hindi ko pinansin ang mga pag-insultong ginawa nila sa akin, sapagkat ang Panginoong Yahweh ang tumutulong sa akin. Handa akong magtiis, sapagkat aking nalalaman na ako'y hindi mapapahiya.
Pangalawang pagbabasa (Filipos 2: 6–11)
Ang pagbabasa sa sulat ni San Pablo sa mga taga-Filipos.
Kahit taglay niya ang kalikasan ng Diyos, hindi niya ipinagpilitang manatiling kapantay ng Diyos. Sa halip, kusa niyang binitawan ang pagiging kapantay ng Diyos, at namuhay na isang alipin. Ipinanganak siya bilang tao. At nang siya'y maging tao, nagpakumbaba siya at naging masunurin hanggang kamatayan, maging ito man ay kamatayan sa krus. Dahil dito, siya'y lubusang itinaas ng Diyos, at binigyan ng pangalang higit sa lahat ng pangalan. Sa gayon, sa pangalan ni Jesus ay luluhod at magpupuri ang lahat ng nasa langit, nasa lupa, at nasa ilalim ng lupa. At ang lahat ay magpapahayag na si Jesu-Cristo ay Panginoon, sa ikaluluwalhati ng Diyos Ama.
Pasyon (Mateo 26:14 – 27:66)
DeleteAng pasyon ni Hesukristo ayon kay San Mateo.
Si Judas Iscariote, isa sa Labindalawa, ay nakipagkita sa mga punong pari. “Ano po ang ibibigay ninyo sa akin kung tulungan ko kayong madakip si Jesus?” tanong niya. Noon di'y binayaran nila si Judas ng tatlumpung pirasong pilak. Mula noon, humanap na si Judas ng pagkakataon upang maipagkanulo si Jesus. Dumating ang unang araw ng Pista ng Tinapay na Walang Pampaalsa. Lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad at nagtanong, “Saan po ninyo nais na maghanda kami ng hapunang pampaskwa?” Sumagot siya, “Puntahan ninyo sa lungsod ang isang tao at sabihin ninyo sa kanya, ‘Ipinapasabi po ng Guro na sumapit na ang kanyang oras. Siya at ang mga alagad niya'y sa bahay ninyo kakain ng hapunang pampaskwa.’” Sinunod ng mga alagad ang utos ni Jesus, at doo'y inihanda nga nila ang hapunang pampaskwa. Nang gabing iyon, dumulog sa hapag si Jesus, kasama ang Labindalawa. Sinabi ni Jesus habang sila'y kumakain, “Tinitiyak ko sa inyo, ako'y ipagkakanulo ng isa sa inyo!” Nanlumo ang mga alagad, at isa-isang nagtanong sa kanya, “Hindi ako iyon, di po ba, Panginoon?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang kasabay kong nagsawsaw sa mangkok ang siyang magkakanulo sa akin. Papanaw ang Anak ng Tao ayon sa nasusulat tungkol sa kanya subalit kahabag-habag ang taong magkakanulo sa kanya! Mabuti pa sa taong iyon ang hindi na siya ipinanganak!” Si Judas na magkakanulo sa kanya ay nagtanong din, “Guro, ako po ba?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ikaw ang nagsabi niyan.” Habang sila'y kumakain, dumampot si Jesus ng tinapay, at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay pinaghati-hati niya iyon, ibinigay sa mga alagad at sinabi, “Kunin ninyo ito at kainin. Ito ang aking katawan.” Pagkatapos, dumampot siya ng kopa, nagpasalamat sa Diyos at ibinigay iyon sa kanila. Sinabi niya, “Kayong lahat ay uminom nito sapagkat ito ang aking dugo na katibayan ng tipan ng Diyos. Ito ang aking dugong ibinubuhos para sa kapatawaran ng kasalanan ng marami. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi na ako iinom nitong katas ng ubas hanggang sa araw na inumin kong panibago na kasalo ninyo sa kaharian ng aking Ama.” At pagkaawit ng isang himno, sila'y nagpunta sa Bundok ng mga Olibo. Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, “Sa gabing ito, ako'y iiwan ninyong lahat, gaya ng sinasabi sa Kasulatan, ‘Papatayin ko ang pastol at magkakawatak-watak ang mga tupa.’ Ngunit pagkatapos na ako'y muling mabuhay, mauuna ako sa inyo sa Galilea.” Sumagot si Pedro, “Kahit na po kayo iwan ng lahat, hindi ko kayo iiwan.” Sumagot si Jesus, “Tandaan mo, sa gabi ring ito, bago tumilaok ang manok, tatlong beses mo akong ikakaila.” Ngunit sinabi ni Pedro, “Kahit na ako'y patayin kasama ninyo, hindi ko kayo ikakaila.” Ganoon din ang sinabi ng lahat ng alagad. Isinama ni Jesus ang kanyang mga alagad sa isang lugar na tinatawag na Getsemani. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Dito muna kayo't mananalangin ako sa dako roon.” Ngunit isinama niya sina Pedro at ang dalawang anak ni Zebedeo. Nagsimulang mabagabag at maghirap ang kanyang kalooban, kaya't sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ako'y halos mamatay sa tindi ng kalungkutan. Maghintay kayo rito at samahan ninyo ako sa pagpupuyat!”
Lumayo siya nang kaunti, nagpatirapa siya at nanalangin, “Ama ko, kung maaari po, ilayo ninyo sa akin ang kopang ito ng paghihirap. Ngunit hindi po ang kalooban ko, kundi ang kalooban ninyo ang mangyari.” Nagbalik siya at dinatnan niyang natutulog ang tatlong alagad. Sinabi niya kay Pedro, “Talaga bang hindi kayo makapagpuyat na kasama ko kahit isang oras man lamang? Magbantay kayo at manalangin upang huwag kayong madaig ng tukso. Ang espiritu'y nakahanda ngunit ang laman ay mahina.” Muli siyang lumayo at nanalangin, “Ama ko, kung hindi po maaaring maialis ang kopang ito malibang inumin ko, mangyari nawa ang inyong kalooban.” Muli siyang nagbalik at nakita na naman niyang natutulog sila, sapagkat sila'y antok na antok. Iniwan niyang muli ang tatlong alagad at siya'y nanalangin, at iyon din ang kanyang sinabi. Nagbalik na naman siya sa mga alagad at sinabi sa kanila, “Natutulog pa ba kayo at nagpapahinga? Dumating na ang oras na ang Anak ng Tao ay ipagkakanulo sa mga makasalanan. Bangon! Halina kayo, narito na ang nagkakanulo sa akin.” Nagsasalita pa si Jesus nang dumating si Judas, na kabilang sa Labindalawa. May kasama siyang maraming tao na may dalang mga tabak at pamalo; isinugo sila ng mga punong pari at mga pinuno ng bayan. Bago pa sila dumating doon, sinabi na ng taksil sa kanyang mga kasama, “Kung sinong hahalikan ko, siya ang dakpin ninyo.” Nilapitan niya agad si Jesus at binati, “Magandang gabi po, Guro,” saka hinalikan. Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Kaibigan, gawin mo na ang sadya mo.” At siya'y nilapitan nila at dinakip. Bumunot ng tabak ang isa sa mga kasama ni Jesus at tinaga ang utusan ng pinakapunong pari, at natagpas ang tainga niyon. Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Ibalik mo ang iyong tabak sa lalagyan! Ang nabubuhay sa tabak ay sa tabak mamamatay. Hindi mo ba alam na kung hihingi ako ng tulong sa aking Ama ay papadalhan agad niya ako ng higit sa labindalawang batalyon ng mga anghel? Ngunit paano matutupad ang mga Kasulatan na nagsasabing ito'y dapat mangyari?” Pagkatapos sinabi niya sa mga tao, “Ako ba'y tulisan at naparito kayong may mga tabak at pamalo upang ako'y dakpin? Araw-araw, nakaupo akong nagtuturo sa Templo, ngunit hindi ninyo ako dinakip. Ngunit nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinulat ng mga propeta.” Tumakas ang mga alagad at iniwan siyang mag-isa. Dinala si Jesus ng mga dumakip sa kanya sa bahay ni Caifas, ang pinakapunong pari; doon nagkakatipon ang mga tagapagturo ng Kautusan at ang mga pinuno ng bayan. Sumunod si Pedro, ngunit hindi gaanong lumalapit. Pagdating sa tahanan ng pinakapunong pari, pumasok siya sa bakuran at naupo sa patyo kasama ng mga bantay. Nais niyang makita kung ano ang mangyayari. Samantala, ang mga punong pari at ang buong Kataas-taasang Kapulungan ng mga Judio ay naghahanap ng maling paratang laban kay Jesus upang siya'y maipapatay, ngunit wala silang nakita kahit na maraming humarap na sinungaling na saksi laban sa kanya. Sa wakas, may dalawang humarap at nagsabi, “Sinabi ng taong ito na kaya daw niyang gibain ang Templo ng Diyos at muli itong itayo sa loob ng tatlong araw.” Tumayo ang pinakapunong pari at sinabi kay Jesus, “Wala ka bang isasagot sa paratang na ito laban sa iyo?” Ngunit hindi umimik si Jesus. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng pinakapunong pari, “Iniuutos ko sa iyo sa ngalan ng Diyos na buháy, sabihin mo sa amin kung ikaw nga ang Cristo, ang Anak ng Diyos.” Sumagot si Jesus, “Kayo na ang nagsabi. At sinasabi ko sa inyo, di na magtatagal at makikita ninyo ang Anak ng Tao na nakaupo sa kanan ng makapangyarihang Diyos at dumarating na nasa alapaap!” Pagkarinig nito, pinunit ng pinakapunong pari ang kanyang damit at sinabi, “Nilapastangan niya ang Diyos! Hindi na natin kailangan ng mga saksi. Narinig ninyo ngayon ang kanyang paglapastangan! Ano ang pasya ninyo?” Sumagot sila, “Dapat siyang mamatay!” Dinuraan nila si Jesus sa mukha at pinagsusuntok. Pinagsasampal naman siya ng iba, at kinutya, “Hoy, Cristo, hulaan mo nga kung sino ang sumampal sa iyo!”
DeleteSamantala, si Pedro ay nakaupo noon sa patyo. Nilapitan siya ng isang utusang babae at sinabi sa kanya, “Kasamahan ka rin ni Jesus na taga-Galilea, hindi ba?” Ngunit nagkaila si Pedro sa harap ng lahat. “Wala akong nalalaman sa sinasabi mo,” sagot niya. Pumunta siya sa may pintuan at nakita siya ng isa pang utusang babae. Sinabi nito sa mga naroon, “Ang taong ito'y kasamahan ni Jesus na taga-Nazaret.” Muling nagkaila si Pedro, “Isinusumpa ko, hindi ko kakilala ang taong iyon!” Makalipas ang ilang sandali, lumapit kay Pedro ang mga naroon. Sabi nila, “Isa ka nga sa mga tauhan niya. Nahahalata ka sa punto ng iyong pagsasalita.” Sumagot si Pedro, “Parusahan nawa ako ng Diyos kung nagsisinungaling ako! Hindi ko kilala ang taong iyan.” Pagkasabing-pagkasabi nito, tumilaok ang manok. Naalala ni Pedro ang sinabi ni Jesus, “Bago tumilaok ang manok, tatlong beses mo akong ikakaila.” Lumabas siya at tumangis nang buong kapaitan. Kinaumagahan, nagpulong ang mga punong pari at mga pinuno ng bayan kung paano nilang maipapapatay si Jesus. Siya'y kanilang iginapos at dinala kay Pilato na gobernador. Nang malaman ng taksil na si Judas na si Jesus ay nahatulang mamatay, nagsisi siya at isinauli sa mga punong pari at mga pinuno ng bayan ang tatlumpung pirasong pilak. Sinabi niya, “Nagkasala ako! Ipinagkanulo ko ang dugo ng taong walang kasalanan.” “Ano ang pakialam namin sa iyo? Bahala ka sa buhay mo!” sagot nila. Inihagis ni Judas sa loob ng Templo ang tatlumpung pirasong pilak, at pagkaalis doon, siya'y nagbigti. Pinulot ng mga punong pari ang mga pirasong pilak. Sinabi nila, “Labag sa Kautusan na ilagay ang salaping ito sa kabang-yaman ng Templo sapagkat bayad ito sa buhay ng isang tao.” Nagkaisa sila na ang salaping iyon ay ibili ng bukid ng isang magpapalayok, upang gawing libingan ng mga dayuhan. Mula noon hanggang ngayon, ang bukid na iyon ay tinatawag na “Bukid ng Dugo.” Sa gayon, natupad ang sinabi ni propeta Jeremias: “Kinuha nila ang tatlumpung pirasong pilak, ang halagang katumbas niya ayon sa mga Israelita, at ginamit ito upang bilhin ang bukid ng isang magpapalayok, ayon sa iniutos sa akin ng Panginoon."
DeleteIniharap si Jesus sa gobernador at siya'y tinanong nito, “Ikaw nga ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ikaw na ang may sabi.” Ngunit nang paratangan siya ng mga punong pari at ng mga pinuno ng bayan, hindi siya umimik. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Hindi mo ba naririnig ang marami nilang paratang laban sa iyo?” Ngunit hindi pa rin siya umimik kaya't labis na nagtaka ang gobernador. Nakaugalian na ng gobernador na tuwing Paskwa ay magpalaya ng isang bilanggo na hinihiling ng taong-bayan. Noon ay may isang kilalang bilanggo na kilala sa kasamaan na ang pangalan ay [Jesus] Barabbas. Nang magkatipon ang mga tao ay tinanong sila ni Pilato, “Sino ang ibig ninyong palayain ko, si Jesus Barabbas, o si Jesus na tinatawag na ‘Cristo’?” Alam ni Pilato na naiinggit lamang sila kaya nila isinakdal si Jesus. Bukod dito, nang si Pilato ay nakaupo sa hukuman, nagpasabi ang kanyang asawa, “Huwag kang makialam sa usapin ng taong iyan. Wala siyang kasalanan. Labis akong nahirapan dahil sa aking panaginip kagabi tungkol sa kanya.” Ang mga tao nama'y hinikayat ng mga punong pari at ng mga pinuno ng bayan na hilingin kay Pilato na si Barabbas ang palayain at si Jesus ay ipapatay. Muli silang tinanong ng gobernador, “Sino sa dalawa ang nais ninyong palayain ko?” “Si Barabbas!” sigaw ng mga tao. Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Kung gayon, ano ang gagawin ko kay Jesus, na tinatawag na Cristo?” At sumagot ang lahat, “Ipako siya sa krus!” “Bakit? Ano ang nagawa niyang masama?” tanong ni Pilato. Ngunit lalo pang lumakas ang kanilang sigawan, “Ipako siya sa krus!” Nang makita ni Pilato na wala siyang magagawa, at malamang pa'y magkagulo, nagpakuha siya ng tubig at naghugas ng kamay sa harap ng mga tao. “Wala akong pananagutan sa dugo ng taong ito. Ito'y pananagutan ninyo!” sabi niya. Sumagot naman ang mga tao, “Pananagutan namin at ng aming mga anak ang dugo niya.” Pinalaya nga ni Pilato si Barabbas at ipinahagupit naman si Jesus. Pagkatapos, ibinigay siya sa kanila upang ipako sa krus. Si Jesus ay dinala ng mga kawal ng gobernador sa palasyo nito, at nagkatipon ang buong batalyon sa paligid niya. Siya'y hinubaran nila at sinuotan ng isang balabal na matingkad na pula. Kumuha sila ng matitinik na baging, ginawa itong korona at ipinutong sa kanya. Pagkatapos, pinahawak sa kanyang kanang kamay ang isang tangkay ng tambo. Siya'y niluhud-luhuran nila at kinutya ng ganito, “Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!” Siya'y pinagduduraan pa nila. Kinuha nila ang tambo at ito'y inihampas sa kanyang ulo. Matapos kutyain, hinubad nila ang balabal at muling sinuotan ng sarili niyang damit. Pagkatapos, inilabas siya upang ipako sa krus.
DeletePaglabas ng lungsod, nakita ng mga sundalo si Simon na taga-Cirene. Pilit nilang ipinapasan sa kanya ang krus ni Jesus. Dumating sila sa lugar na tinatawag na Golgotha, na ang kahulugan ay “Pook ng Bungo.” Binigyan nila si Jesus ng alak na hinaluan ng apdo, ngunit nang matikman niya iyon ay hindi niya ininom. Nang maipako na siya sa krus, pinaghati-hatian ng mga kawal ang kanyang mga damit sa pamamagitan ng palabunutan, naupo sila at siya'y binantayan. Inilagay nila sa kanyang ulunan ang paratang laban sa kanya na may nakasulat na ganito, “Ito'y si Jesus na Hari ng mga Judio.” At may dalawang magnanakaw na ipinako rin sa krus, isa sa gawing kanan at isa sa kaliwa. Kinukutya siya ng mga nagdaraan. Pailing-iling nilang sinasabi, “Di ba't ikaw ang gigiba ng Templo at muling magtatayo nito sa loob ng tatlong araw? Iligtas mo ngayon ang iyong sarili! Kung ikaw nga ang Anak ng Diyos, bumabâ ka sa krus!” Kinutya rin siya ng mga punong pari, mga tagapagturo ng Kautusan at mga pinuno ng bayan. Sinabi nila, “Iniligtas niya ang iba ngunit hindi niya mailigtas ang sarili! Di ba siya ang Hari ng Israel? Bumabâ lang siya ngayon sa krus ay maniniwala na kami sa kanya! Nananalig siya sa Diyos, at sinasabi niyang siya ang Anak ng Diyos. Tingnan natin kung ililigtas siya ng Diyos!” Nilait din siya ng mga magnanakaw na ipinakong kasama niya. Mula sa tanghaling tapat hanggang sa ikatlo ng hapon ay nagdilim sa buong lupain. Nang mag-aalas tres na ng hapon, sumigaw si Jesus, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” na ang ibig sabihi'y “Diyos ko, Diyos ko, bakit mo ako pinabayaan?” Ito'y narinig ng ilan sa mga nakatayo roon kaya't sinabi nila, “Tinatawag niya si Elias!” May isang tumakbo kaagad at kumuha ng espongha, binasâ ito ng maasim na alak, inilagay sa dulo ng isang patpat at ipinasipsip kay Jesus. Sinabi naman ng iba, “Hintay muna, tingnan natin kung darating si Elias upang iligtas siya!” Muling sumigaw si Jesus nang malakas at siya'y nalagutan ng hininga. Biglang nahati ang tabing ng Templo, mula sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba. Nayanig ang lupa at nabiyak ang mga bato. Nabuksan ang mga libingan at muling nabuhay ang maraming banal na namatay. Lumabas sila ng libingan, at pagkatapos na muling mabuhay si Jesus, sila'y pumasok sa banal na lungsod at doo'y marami ang nakakita sa kanila.
DeleteNasindak ang opisyal at ang mga kawal na nagbabantay kay Jesus nang maramdaman nila ang lindol at masaksihan ang lahat ng nangyari. Sabi nila, “Tunay na siya'y Anak ng Diyos!” Naroon din ang maraming mga babaing nakatanaw mula sa malayo. Sila'y sumunod kay Jesus mula pa sa Galilea, at naglingkod sa kanya. Kabilang sa kanila si Maria Magdalena, si Maria na ina ni Santiago at ni Jose, at ang asawa ni Zebedeo. Pagsapit ng dilim, dumating si Jose, isang mayamang taga-Arimatea na tagasunod din ni Jesus. Hiningi niya kay Pilato ang bangkay ni Jesus, kaya't iniutos ni Pilato na ibigay ito kay Jose. Nang makuha na ang bangkay, binalutan niya ito ng malinis na tela ng lino. Inilagay niya ito sa kanyang bagong libingan na ipinauka niya sa bato. Pagkatapos, iginulong niya sa pintuan ang isang malaking batong panakip, at saka umalis. Naroon sina Maria Magdalena at ang isa pang Maria na nakaupo sa tapat ng libingan. Kinabukasan, pagkatapos ng Araw ng Paghahanda, sama-samang nagpunta kay Pilato ang mga punong pari at ang mga Pariseo. Sinabi nila, “Naalala po namin na sinabi ng mapagpanggap na iyon noong siya'y nabubuhay pa, na siya'y muling mabubuhay pagkaraan ng tatlong araw. Kaya pabantayan po sana ninyong mabuti ang libingan hanggang sa ikatlong araw. Baka pumunta doon ang kanyang mga alagad at kunin ang bangkay at pagkatapos ay ipamalitang siya'y muling nabuhay. Ang pandarayang ito ay magiging masahol pa kaysa una.” Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Kumuha kayo ng mga kawal at pabantayan ninyong mabuti ang libingan.” Kaya pumunta nga sila roon at tiniyak na hindi mabubuksan ang libingan, nilagyan ng tatak ang batong panakip sa libingan, at pinabantayan ito sa kawal.
DeleteSalmong pagtugon (Awit 22) (Bersikulo 7–8, 16–19, at 22–23)
DeleteAng tugon ay: Dios ko, Dios ko, bakit mo ako pinabayaan?
• Pinagtatawanan ako ng bawat makakita sa akin, inilalabas ang kanilang dila at sila'y pailing-iling. Sabi nila, “Nagtiwala siya kay Yahweh; hayaang iligtas siya nito. Kung talagang mahal siya nito, darating ang kanyang saklolo!”
• Isang pangkat ng salarin, sa aki'y nakapaligid, para akong nasa gitna ng mga asong ganid; mga kamay at paa ko'y kanilang pinupunit. Kitang-kita ang lahat ng aking mga buto, tinitingnan at nilalait ng mga kaaway ko.
• Mga damit ko'y kanilang pinagsugalan, at mga saplot ko'y pinaghati-hatian. O Yahweh, huwag mo sana akong layuan! Ako ay tulungan at agad na saklolohan!
• Mga ginawa mo'y ihahayag ko sa aking mga kababayan, sa gitna ng kapulungan ika'y papupurihan. Kayong lingkod ni Yahweh, siya'y inyong purihin! Kayong lahi ni Jacob, siya'y inyong dakilain, bayan ng Israel, luwalhatiin siya't sambahin!
Bacaan Injil (Matius 21: 1–11)
ReplyDeletePembacaan Injil kudus menurut Santo Matius.
Ketika Yesus dan murid-murid-Nya telah dekat Yerusalem dan tiba di Betfage yang terletak di Bukit Zaitun, Yesus menyuruh dua orang murid-Nya dengan pesan: "Pergilah ke kampung yang di depanmu itu, dan di situ kamu akan segera menemukan seekor keledai betina tertambat dan anaknya ada dekatnya. Lepaskanlah keledai itu dan bawalah keduanya kepada-Ku. Dan jikalau ada orang menegor kamu, katakanlah: Tuhan memerlukannya. Ia akan segera mengembalikannya." Hal itu terjadi supaya genaplah firman yang disampaikan oleh nabi: "Katakanlah kepada puteri Sion: Lihat, Rajamu datang kepadamu, Ia lemah lembut dan mengendarai seekor keledai, seekor keledai beban yang muda." Maka pergilah murid-murid itu dan berbuat seperti yang ditugaskan Yesus kepada mereka. Mereka membawa keledai betina itu bersama anaknya, lalu mengalasinya dengan pakaian mereka dan Yesus pun naik ke atasnya. Orang banyak yang sangat besar jumlahnya menghamparkan pakaiannya di jalan, ada pula yang memotong ranting-ranting dari pohon-pohon dan menyebarkannya di jalan. Dan orang banyak yang berjalan di depan Yesus dan yang mengikuti-Nya dari belakang berseru, katanya: "Hosana bagi Anak Daud, diberkatilah Dia yang datang dalam nama Tuhan, hosana di tempat yang mahatinggi!" Dan ketika Ia masuk ke Yerusalem, gemparlah seluruh kota itu dan orang berkata: "Siapakah orang ini?" Dan orang banyak itu menyahut: "Inilah nabi Yesus dari Nazaret di Galilea."
Bacaan pertama (Yesaya 50: 4–7)
Pembacaan dari kitab nabi Yesaya.
Tuhan ALLAH telah memberikan kepadaku lidah seorang murid, supaya dengan perkataan aku dapat memberi semangat baru kepada orang yang letih lesu. Setiap pagi Ia mempertajam pendengaranku untuk mendengar seperti seorang murid. Tuhan ALLAH telah membuka telingaku, dan aku tidak memberontak, tidak berpaling ke belakang. Aku memberi punggungku kepada orang-orang yang memukul aku, dan pipiku kepada orang-orang yang mencabut janggutku. Aku tidak menyembunyikan mukaku ketika aku dinodai dan diludahi. Tetapi Tuhan ALLAH menolong aku; sebab itu aku tidak mendapat noda. Sebab itu aku meneguhkan hatiku seperti keteguhan gunung batu karena aku tahu, bahwa aku tidak akan mendapat malu.
Bacaan kedua (Filipi 2: 6–11)
Pembacaan dari surat Paulus kepada jemaat di Filipi.
Walaupun dalam rupa Allah, tidak menganggap kesetaraan dengan Allah itu sebagai milik yang harus dipertahankan, melainkan telah mengosongkan diri-Nya sendiri, dan mengambil rupa seorang hamba, dan menjadi sama dengan manusia. Dan dalam keadaan sebagai manusia, Ia telah merendahkan diri-Nya dan taat sampai mati, bahkan sampai mati di kayu salib. Itulah sebabnya Allah sangat meninggikan Dia dan mengaruniakan kepada-Nya nama di atas segala nama, supaya dalam nama Yesus bertekuk lutut segala yang ada di langit dan yang ada di atas bumi dan yang ada di bawah bumi, dan segala lidah mengaku: "Yesus Kristus adalah Tuhan," bagi kemuliaan Allah, Bapa!
Bacaan Injil (Matius 26:14––27:66)
DeletePembacaan Injil kudus menurut Santo Matius.
Setelah Yesus selesai dengan segala pengajaran-Nya itu, berkatalah Ia kepada murid-murid-Nya: "Kamu tahu, bahwa dua hari lagi akan dirayakan Paskah, maka Anak Manusia akan diserahkan untuk disalibkan." Pada waktu itu berkumpullah imam-imam kepala dan tua-tua bangsa Yahudi di istana Imam Besar yang bernama Kayafas, dan mereka merundingkan suatu rencana untuk menangkap Yesus dengan tipu muslihat dan untuk membunuh Dia. Tetapi mereka berkata: "Jangan pada waktu perayaan, supaya jangan timbul keributan di antara rakyat." Ketika Yesus berada di Betania, di rumah Simon si kusta, datanglah seorang perempuan kepada-Nya membawa sebuah buli-buli pualam berisi minyak wangi yang mahal. Minyak itu dicurahkannya ke atas kepala Yesus, yang sedang duduk makan. Melihat itu murid-murid gusar dan berkata: "Untuk apa pemborosan ini? Sebab minyak itu dapat dijual dengan mahal dan uangnya dapat diberikan kepada orang-orang miskin." Tetapi Yesus mengetahui pikiran mereka lalu berkata: "Mengapa kamu menyusahkan perempuan ini? Sebab ia telah melakukan suatu perbuatan yang baik pada-Ku. Karena orang-orang miskin selalu ada padamu, tetapi Aku tidak akan selalu bersama-sama kamu. Sebab dengan mencurahkan minyak itu ke tubuh-Ku, ia membuat suatu persiapan untuk penguburan-Ku. Aku berkata kepadamu: Sesungguhnya di mana saja Injil ini diberitakan di seluruh dunia, apa yang dilakukannya ini akan disebut juga untuk mengingat dia." Kemudian pergilah seorang dari kedua belas murid itu, yang bernama Yudas Iskariot, kepada imam-imam kepala. Ia berkata: "Apa yang hendak kamu berikan kepadaku, supaya aku menyerahkan Dia kepada kamu?" Mereka membayar tiga puluh uang perak kepadanya. Dan mulai saat itu ia mencari kesempatan yang baik untuk menyerahkan Yesus. Pada hari pertama dari hari raya Roti Tidak Beragi datanglah murid-murid Yesus kepada-Nya dan berkata: "Di mana Engkau kehendaki kami mempersiapkan perjamuan Paskah bagi-Mu?" Jawab Yesus: "Pergilah ke kota kepada si Anu dan katakan kepadanya: Pesan Guru: waktu-Ku hampir tiba; di dalam rumahmulah Aku mau merayakan Paskah bersama-sama dengan murid-murid-Ku." Lalu murid-murid-Nya melakukan seperti yang ditugaskan Yesus kepada mereka dan mempersiapkan Paskah. Setelah hari malam, Yesus duduk makan bersama-sama dengan kedua belas murid itu. Dan ketika mereka sedang makan, Ia berkata: "Aku berkata kepadamu, sesungguhnya seorang di antara kamu akan menyerahkan Aku." Dan dengan hati yang sangat sedih berkatalah mereka seorang demi seorang kepada-Nya: "Bukan aku, ya Tuhan?" Ia menjawab: "Dia yang bersama-sama dengan Aku mencelupkan tangannya ke dalam pinggan ini, dialah yang akan menyerahkan Aku. Anak Manusia memang akan pergi sesuai dengan yang ada tertulis tentang Dia, akan tetapi celakalah orang yang olehnya Anak Manusia itu diserahkan. Adalah lebih baik bagi orang itu sekiranya ia tidak dilahirkan." Yudas, yang hendak menyerahkan Dia itu menjawab, katanya: "Bukan aku, ya Rabi?" Kata Yesus kepadanya: "Engkau telah mengatakannya." Dan ketika mereka sedang makan, Yesus mengambil roti, mengucap berkat, memecah-mecahkannya lalu memberikannya kepada murid-murid-Nya dan berkata: "Ambillah, makanlah, inilah tubuh-Ku." Sesudah itu Ia mengambil cawan, mengucap syukur lalu memberikannya kepada mereka dan berkata: "Minumlah, kamu semua, dari cawan ini. Sebab inilah darah-Ku, darah perjanjian, yang ditumpahkan bagi banyak orang untuk pengampunan dosa. Akan tetapi Aku berkata kepadamu: mulai dari sekarang Aku tidak akan minum lagi hasil pokok anggur ini sampai pada hari Aku meminumnya, yaitu yang baru, bersama-sama dengan kamu dalam Kerajaan Bapa-Ku." Sesudah menyanyikan nyanyian pujian, pergilah Yesus dan murid-murid-Nya ke Bukit Zaitun.
Maka berkatalah Yesus kepada mereka: "Malam ini kamu semua akan tergoncang imanmu karena Aku. Sebab ada tertulis: Aku akan membunuh gembala dan kawanan domba itu akan tercerai-berai. Akan tetapi sesudah Aku bangkit, Aku akan mendahului kamu ke Galilea." Petrus menjawab-Nya: "Biarpun mereka semua tergoncang imannya karena Engkau, aku sekali-kali tidak." Yesus berkata kepadanya: "Aku berkata kepadamu, sesungguhnya malam ini, sebelum ayam berkokok, engkau telah menyangkal Aku tiga kali." Kata Petrus kepada-Nya: "Sekalipun aku harus mati bersama-sama Engkau, aku takkan menyangkal Engkau." Semua murid yang lain pun berkata demikian juga. Maka sampailah Yesus bersama-sama murid-murid-Nya ke suatu tempat yang bernama Getsemani. Lalu Ia berkata kepada murid-murid-Nya: "Duduklah di sini, sementara Aku pergi ke sana untuk berdoa." Dan Ia membawa Petrus dan kedua anak Zebedeus serta-Nya. Maka mulailah Ia merasa sedih dan gentar, lalu kata-Nya kepada mereka: "Hati-Ku sangat sedih, seperti mau mati rasanya. Tinggallah di sini dan berjaga-jagalah dengan Aku." Maka Ia maju sedikit, lalu sujud dan berdoa, kata-Nya: "Ya Bapa-Ku, jikalau sekiranya mungkin, biarlah cawan ini lalu dari pada-Ku, tetapi janganlah seperti yang Kukehendaki, melainkan seperti yang Engkau kehendaki." Setelah itu Ia kembali kepada murid-murid-Nya itu dan mendapati mereka sedang tidur. Dan Ia berkata kepada Petrus: "Tidakkah kamu sanggup berjaga-jaga satu jam dengan Aku? Berjaga-jagalah dan berdoalah, supaya kamu jangan jatuh ke dalam pencobaan: roh memang penurut, tetapi daging lemah." Lalu Ia pergi untuk kedua kalinya dan berdoa, kata-Nya: "Ya Bapa-Ku jikalau cawan ini tidak mungkin lalu, kecuali apabila Aku meminumnya, jadilah kehendak-Mu!" Dan ketika Ia kembali pula, Ia mendapati mereka sedang tidur, sebab mata mereka sudah berat. Ia membiarkan mereka di situ lalu pergi dan berdoa untuk ketiga kalinya dan mengucapkan doa yang itu juga. Sesudah itu Ia datang kepada murid-murid-Nya dan berkata kepada mereka: "Tidurlah sekarang dan istirahatlah. Lihat, saatnya sudah tiba, bahwa Anak Manusia diserahkan ke tangan orang-orang berdosa. Bangunlah, marilah kita pergi. Dia yang menyerahkan Aku sudah dekat." Waktu Yesus masih berbicara datanglah Yudas, salah seorang dari kedua belas murid itu, dan bersama-sama dia serombongan besar orang yang membawa pedang dan pentung, disuruh oleh imam-imam kepala dan tua-tua bangsa Yahudi. Orang yang menyerahkan Dia telah memberitahukan tanda ini kepada mereka: "Orang yang akan kucium, itulah Dia, tangkaplah Dia." Dan segera ia maju mendapatkan Yesus dan berkata: "Salam Rabi," lalu mencium Dia. Tetapi Yesus berkata kepadanya: "Hai teman, untuk itukah engkau datang?" Maka majulah mereka memegang Yesus dan menangkap-Nya. Tetapi seorang dari mereka yang menyertai Yesus mengulurkan tangannya, menghunus pedangnya dan menetakkannya kepada hamba Imam Besar sehingga putus telinganya. Maka kata Yesus kepadanya: "Masukkan pedang itu kembali ke dalam sarungnya, sebab barangsiapa menggunakan pedang, akan binasa oleh pedang. Atau kausangka, bahwa Aku tidak dapat berseru kepada Bapa-Ku, supaya Ia segera mengirim lebih dari dua belas pasukan malaikat membantu Aku? Jika begitu, bagaimanakah akan digenapi yang tertulis dalam Kitab Suci, yang mengatakan, bahwa harus terjadi demikian?" Pada saat itu Yesus berkata kepada orang banyak: "Sangkamu Aku ini penyamun, maka kamu datang lengkap dengan pedang dan pentung untuk menangkap Aku? Padahal tiap-tiap hari Aku duduk mengajar di Bait Allah, dan kamu tidak menangkap Aku. Akan tetapi semua ini terjadi supaya genap yang ada tertulis dalam kitab nabi-nabi." Lalu semua murid itu meninggalkan Dia dan melarikan diri.
DeleteSesudah mereka menangkap Yesus, mereka membawa-Nya menghadap Kayafas, Imam Besar. Di situ telah berkumpul ahli-ahli Taurat dan tua-tua. Dan Petrus mengikuti Dia dari jauh sampai ke halaman Imam Besar, dan setelah masuk ke dalam, ia duduk di antara pengawal-pengawal untuk melihat kesudahan perkara itu. Imam-imam kepala, malah seluruh Mahkamah Agama mencari kesaksian palsu terhadap Yesus, supaya Ia dapat dihukum mati, tetapi mereka tidak memperolehnya, walaupun tampil banyak saksi dusta. Tetapi akhirnya tampillah dua orang, yang mengatakan: "Orang ini berkata: Aku dapat merubuhkan Bait Allah dan membangunnya kembali dalam tiga hari." Lalu Imam Besar itu berdiri dan berkata kepada-Nya: "Tidakkah Engkau memberi jawab atas tuduhan-tuduhan saksi-saksi ini terhadap Engkau?" Tetapi Yesus tetap diam. Lalu kata Imam Besar itu kepada-Nya: "Demi Allah yang hidup, katakanlah kepada kami, apakah Engkau Mesias, Anak Allah, atau tidak." Jawab Yesus: "Engkau telah mengatakannya. Akan tetapi, Aku berkata kepadamu, mulai sekarang kamu akan melihat Anak Manusia duduk di sebelah kanan Yang Mahakuasa dan datang di atas awan-awan di langit." Maka Imam Besar itu mengoyakkan pakaiannya dan berkata: "Ia menghujat Allah. Untuk apa kita perlu saksi lagi? Sekarang telah kamu dengar hujat-Nya. Bagaimana pendapat kamu?" Mereka menjawab dan berkata: "Ia harus dihukum mati!" Lalu mereka meludahi muka-Nya dan meninju-Nya; orang-orang lain memukul Dia, dan berkata: "Cobalah katakan kepada kami, hai Mesias, siapakah yang memukul Engkau?"
DeleteSementara itu Petrus duduk di luar di halaman. Maka datanglah seorang hamba perempuan kepadanya, katanya: "Engkau juga selalu bersama-sama dengan Yesus, orang Galilea itu." Tetapi ia menyangkalnya di depan semua orang, katanya: "Aku tidak tahu, apa yang engkau maksud." Ketika ia pergi ke pintu gerbang, seorang hamba lain melihat dia dan berkata kepada orang-orang yang ada di situ: "Orang ini bersama-sama dengan Yesus, orang Nazaret itu." Dan ia menyangkalnya pula dengan bersumpah: "Aku tidak kenal orang itu." Tidak lama kemudian orang-orang yang ada di situ datang kepada Petrus dan berkata: "Pasti engkau juga salah seorang dari mereka, itu nyata dari bahasamu." Maka mulailah Petrus mengutuk dan bersumpah: "Aku tidak kenal orang itu." Dan pada saat itu berkokoklah ayam. Maka teringatlah Petrus akan apa yang dikatakan Yesus kepadanya: "Sebelum ayam berkokok, engkau telah menyangkal Aku tiga kali." Lalu ia pergi ke luar dan menangis dengan sedihnya. Ketika hari mulai siang, semua imam kepala dan tua-tua bangsa Yahudi berkumpul dan mengambil keputusan untuk membunuh Yesus. Mereka membelenggu Dia, lalu membawa-Nya dan menyerahkan-Nya kepada Pilatus, wali negeri itu. Pada waktu Yudas, yang menyerahkan Dia, melihat, bahwa Yesus telah dijatuhi hukuman mati, menyesallah ia. Lalu ia mengembalikan uang yang tiga puluh perak itu kepada imam-imam kepala dan tua-tua, dan berkata: "Aku telah berdosa karena menyerahkan darah orang yang tak bersalah." Tetapi jawab mereka: "Apa urusan kami dengan itu? Itu urusanmu sendiri!" Maka ia pun melemparkan uang perak itu ke dalam Bait Suci, lalu pergi dari situ dan menggantung diri. Imam-imam kepala mengambil uang perak itu dan berkata: "Tidak diperbolehkan memasukkan uang ini ke dalam peti persembahan, sebab ini uang darah." Sesudah berunding mereka membeli dengan uang itu tanah yang disebut Tanah Tukang Periuk untuk dijadikan tempat pekuburan orang asing. Itulah sebabnya tanah itu sampai pada hari ini disebut Tanah Darah. Dengan demikian genaplah firman yang disampaikan oleh nabi Yeremia: "Mereka menerima tiga puluh uang perak, yaitu harga yang ditetapkan untuk seorang menurut penilaian yang berlaku di antara orang Israel, dan mereka memberikan uang itu untuk tanah tukang periuk, seperti yang dipesankan Tuhan kepadaku."
DeleteDemikian juga imam-imam kepala bersama-sama ahli-ahli Taurat dan tua-tua mengolok-olokkan Dia dan mereka berkata: "Orang lain Ia selamatkan, tetapi diri-Nya sendiri tidak dapat Ia selamatkan! Ia Raja Israel? Baiklah Ia turun dari salib itu dan kami akan percaya kepada-Nya. Ia menaruh harapan-Nya pada Allah: baiklah Allah menyelamatkan Dia, jikalau Allah berkenan kepada-Nya! Karena Ia telah berkata: Aku adalah Anak Allah." Bahkan penyamun-penyamun yang disalibkan bersama-sama dengan Dia mencela-Nya demikian juga. Mulai dari jam dua belas kegelapan meliputi seluruh daerah itu sampai jam tiga. Kira-kira jam tiga berserulah Yesus dengan suara nyaring: "Eli, Eli, lama sabakhtani?" Artinya: Allah-Ku, Allah-Ku, mengapa Engkau meninggalkan Aku? Mendengar itu, beberapa orang yang berdiri di situ berkata: "Ia memanggil Elia." Dan segeralah datang seorang dari mereka; ia mengambil bunga karang, mencelupkannya ke dalam anggur asam, lalu mencucukkannya pada sebatang buluh dan memberi Yesus minum. Tetapi orang-orang lain berkata: "Jangan, baiklah kita lihat, apakah Elia datang untuk menyelamatkan Dia." Yesus berseru pula dengan suara nyaring lalu menyerahkan nyawa-Nya. Dan lihatlah, tabir Bait Suci terbelah dua dari atas sampai ke bawah dan terjadilah gempa bumi, dan bukit-bukit batu terbelah, dan kuburan-kuburan terbuka dan banyak orang kudus yang telah meninggal bangkit. Dan sesudah kebangkitan Yesus, mereka pun keluar dari kubur, lalu masuk ke kota kudus dan menampakkan diri kepada banyak orang. Kepala pasukan dan prajurit-prajuritnya yang menjaga Yesus menjadi sangat takut ketika mereka melihat gempa bumi dan apa yang telah terjadi, lalu berkata: "Sungguh, Ia ini adalah Anak Allah." Dan ada di situ banyak perempuan yang melihat dari jauh, yaitu perempuan-perempuan yang mengikuti Yesus dari Galilea untuk melayani Dia. Di antara mereka terdapat Maria Magdalena, dan Maria ibu Yakobus dan Yusuf, dan ibu anak-anak Zebedeus. Menjelang malam datanglah seorang kaya, orang Arimatea, yang bernama Yusuf dan yang telah menjadi murid Yesus juga. Ia pergi menghadap Pilatus dan meminta mayat Yesus. Pilatus memerintahkan untuk menyerahkannya kepadanya. Dan Yusuf pun mengambil mayat itu, mengapaninya dengan kain lenan yang putih bersih, lalu membaringkannya di dalam kuburnya yang baru, yang digalinya di dalam bukit batu, dan sesudah menggulingkan sebuah batu besar ke pintu kubur itu, pergilah ia. Tetapi Maria Magdalena dan Maria yang lain tinggal di situ duduk di depan kubur itu. Keesokan harinya, yaitu sesudah hari persiapan, datanglah imam-imam kepala dan orang-orang Farisi bersama-sama menghadap Pilatus, dan mereka berkata: "Tuan, kami ingat, bahwa si penyesat itu sewaktu hidup-Nya berkata: Sesudah tiga hari Aku akan bangkit. Karena itu perintahkanlah untuk menjaga kubur itu sampai hari yang ketiga; jikalau tidak, murid-murid-Nya mungkin datang untuk mencuri Dia, lalu mengatakan kepada rakyat: Ia telah bangkit dari antara orang mati, sehingga penyesatan yang terakhir akan lebih buruk akibatnya dari pada yang pertama." Kata Pilatus kepada mereka: "Ini penjaga-penjaga bagimu, pergi dan jagalah kubur itu sebaik-baiknya." Maka pergilah mereka dan dengan bantuan penjaga-penjaga itu mereka memeterai kubur itu dan menjaganya.
Delete福音書（マタイ第21章：第1詩–第11詩）
ReplyDeleteこの読み物はマタイの福音書です。
一行がエルサレムに近づき、オリーブ山のふもとのベテパゲ近くまで来た時、イエスは弟子を二人、こう言って使いに出しました。「村に入るとすぐ、一頭のろばといっしょに、子ろばがつないであるのに気づくでしょう。子ろばをほどいて、連れて来なさい。もしだれかに、何をしているのかと聞かれたら、『主が必要なのです』とだけ答えなさい。そうすれば、何もめんどうは起こらないはずです。」それは、次のような預言が実現するためでした。「エルサレムに告げよ。『王がおいでになる。ろばの子に乗って。柔和な王がおいでになる。』」二人の弟子は、イエスの言いつけどおりに、ろばの親子を連れて戻って来ました。そして、子ろばの背に自分たちの上着をかけ、イエスをお乗せしました。すると、群衆の中の多くの者が、イエスの進んで行かれる道に自分たちの上着を敷いたり、木の枝を切ってきて敷き並べたりしました。押し寄せた群衆は、イエスを取り囲み、口々に叫びました。「ダビデ王の子、ばんざーい！」「主をほめたたえよ！」「このお方こそ神の人だ！」「主よ。このお方に祝福を！」イエスがエルサレムに入られると、町中が上を下への大騒ぎです。だれもが興奮して、「いったい、その方はどなたなんだ」と尋ねます。イエスについて来た群衆は、「ガリラヤのナザレ出身の預言者イエス様だ」と答えました。
第一読み物（イザヤ書第50章：第4詩–第7詩）
この読み物はイザヤ書です。
神である主は私に、知恵のことばを授けました。疲れきった人に何を言ったらいいかを教えるためです。朝ごとに、主は私を目ざめさせ、御心への理解を深めさせてくれます。主のことばを、私は耳をすまして聞きます。逆らったり、顔を背けたりしません。むち打つ者に背中をさらし、ひげを抜こうとする者に頬を差し出しました。彼らは私の顔につばをはきました。しかし私は辱められても、身を隠しません。主の助けがあるので、うろたえたり、気を落としたりしません。固く心に勝利を収めると確信しています。
詩編（第22章：第7詩–第8詩と第16詩–第19詩と第22詩–第23詩）
お答えは：神よ、私の神よ。どうして私をお見捨てになったのですか？
• 私を見ると、だれもがあざけり、冷笑し、肩をすくめます。彼らは、こう言って笑います。「これが、主に重荷を肩代わりしてもらったという男なのか。主のお気に入りだとうぬぼれていたやつか。主に助け出されるところを見せてもらおうではないか。そうしたら信じてやってもいい。」
• 徒党を組んだ悪人どもが、群がる野犬のように私を取り巻きます。私の手足は引き裂かれています。自分の骨を、一本残らず数えることができるほどです。私を見てはほくそ笑む、この悪人どもをごらんください。
• 彼らはくじ引きで、私の着物を分け合うのです。ああ主よ、そばにいてください。ああ、私の力である神よ、大急ぎで助けに来てください。
• 私はすべての兄弟の前であなたをたたえ、会衆に向かって、あなたのすばらしいみわざを語ります。私は語ります。「主を恐れる人たちよ、主をほめたたえよ。主の名を恐れ、敬え。イスラエルのすべての人よ、主に向かって賛美の歌を歌え。
第二読み物（ピリピ人第2章：第6詩–第11詩）
この読み物はピリピ人への手紙です。
キリストは神であられるのに、神としての権利を要求したり、それに執着したりはなさいませんでした。かえって、その偉大な力と栄光を捨てて奴隷の姿をとり、人間と同じになられました。そればかりか、さらに自分を低くし、犯罪人と同じようになって十字架上で死なれたのです。しかし、それゆえに、神はキリストを高く天に引き上げ、最高の名をお与えになりました。それは、その御名のもとに、すべてのものが天でも地でもひざまずき、すべての口が「イエス・キリストは主です」と告白して、父なる神がほめたたえられるためです。
福音書／パッション（マタイ第26章：第14詩–第27章：第66詩）
Deleteこの読み物はマタイの福音書です。
このことがあってから、十二弟子の一人、イスカリオテのユダが祭司長たちのところへ来て、「あのイエスをあなたがたに売り渡したら、いったい、いくらいただけますか」と聞きました。こうして、とうとう彼らから銀貨三十枚を受け取ったのです。この時から、ユダはイエスを売り渡そうと機会をねらい始めました。過越の祭りの日、すなわち種なしパン（イースト菌を入れないで焼くパン）の祭りの最初の日に、弟子たちが来て、イエスに尋ねました。「先生。過越の食事は、どこですればよろしいでしょうか。」「町に入って行くと、これこれの人に会います。その人に言いなさい。『私どもの先生が、「わたしの時が近づいた。お宅で弟子たちといっしょに過越の食事をしたい」と言っております。』」弟子たちはイエスの言われたとおりにして、夕食の用意をしました。その夕方、十二弟子といっしょに食事をしている時、イエスは、「あなたがたのうちの一人が、わたしを裏切ろうとしています」と言われました。これを聞いた弟子たちはひどく悲しみ、口々に、「まさか私のことではないでしょうね」と尋ねました。「わたしといっしょに鉢に手を浸している者が裏切るのです。 24 わたしは預言のとおりに死ななければなりません。だが、わたしを裏切るような者はのろわれます。その人は、むしろ生まれなかったほうがよかったのです。」ユダも、何げないふりをして尋ねました。「先生。まさか私ではないでしょう。」「いや、あなたです。」イエスはお答えになりました。食事の最中に、イエスは一かたまりのパンを取り、祝福してから、それをちぎって弟子たちに分け与えました。「これを取って食べなさい。わたしの体です。」またぶどう酒の杯を取り、感謝の祈りをささげてから、弟子たちに与えて言われました。「みな、この杯から飲みなさい。これは新しい契約を保証するわたしの血、多くの人の罪を赦すために流される血です。よく言っておきますが、やがて父の御国で、あなたがたといっしょに新しく飲む日まで、わたしは二度とぶどう酒を飲みません。」このあと、一同は賛美歌を歌うと、そこを出て、オリーブ山に向かいました。その時、イエスは弟子たちに言われました。「今夜あなたがたはみな、わたしを見捨てて逃げるでしょう。聖書に、『わたしが羊飼いを打つ。すると羊の群れは散り散りになる』と書いてあるからです。しかし、わたしは復活して、もう一度ガリラヤに行きます。そこであなたがたに会います。」「たとえ、みんながあなたを見捨てようと、この私だけは絶対に見捨てたりしません」と訴えるペテロに、イエスは言われました。「はっきり言いましょう。あなたは今夜鶏が鳴く前に、三度、わたしを知らないと言います。」しかしペテロは、「死んでも、あなたを知らないなどとは申しません」と言い、ほかの弟子たちも、口々に同じことを言いました。それからイエスは、弟子たちを連れて、木の茂ったゲツセマネの園に行かれました。そして弟子たちに、「わたしが向こうで祈っている間、ここに座って待っていなさい」と言い残し、ペテロと、ゼベダイの子ヤコブとヨハネだけを連れて、さらに奥のほうへ行かれました。その時です。激しい苦悩と絶望がイエスを襲い、苦しみもだえ始められました。「ああ、恐れと悲しみのあまり、今にも死にそうです。ここを離れずに、わたしといっしょに目を覚ましていなさい。」三人にこう頼むと、イエスは少し離れた所に行き、地面にひれ伏して必死に祈られました。「父よ。もしできることなら、この杯を取り除いてください。しかし、わたしの思いどおりにではなく、あなたのお心のままになさってください！」それから、弟子たちのところへ戻って来られると、なんと、三人ともぐっすり眠り込んでいるではありませんか。そこで、ペテロを呼び起こされました。「起きなさい、ペテロ。たったの一時間も、わたしといっしょに目を覚ましていられなかったのですか。油断しないで、いつも祈っていなさい。さもないと誘惑に負けてしまいます。あなたがたの心は燃えていても、肉体はとても弱いのですから。」こうしてまたイエスは、彼らから離れて、祈られました。「父よ。もし、この杯を飲みほさなければならないのでしたら、どうぞ、あなたのお心のままになさってください。」イエスがもう一度戻って来られると、三人はまたもや眠り込んでいました。まぶたが重くなって、どうしても起きていられなかったのです。イエスは、三度目の祈りをするために戻り、前と同じ祈りをなさいました。それからまた、弟子たちのところに来て、「まだ眠っているのですか。目を覚ましなさい。時が来ました。いよいよ、わたしは悪い者どもに売り渡されるのです。立ちなさい。さあ、行くのです。ごらんなさい、裏切り者が近づいて来ます」と言われました。イエスがまだ言い終わらないうちに、十二弟子の一人ユダがやって来ました。彼といっしょに、ユダヤ人の指導者たちが差し向けた大ぜいの群衆も、手に手に剣やこん棒を持っていました。彼らの間では、ユダがあいさつする相手こそイエスだから、その人物を捕まえるように、前もって打ち合わせがしてありました。それで、ユダはまっすぐイエスのほうへ歩み寄り、「先生。こんばんは」と声をかけ、さも親しげにイエスを抱きしめました。イエスが、「ユダよ。さあ、おまえのしようとしていることをしなさい」と言われた瞬間、人々は飛びかかり、イエスを捕らえました。その時、イエスといっしょにいた一人が、さっと剣を抜き放つと、大祭司の部下の耳を切り落としました。ところが、イエスは彼を制して言われました。「剣をさやに納めなさい。剣を使う者は、自分もまた剣で殺されるのです。わからないのですか。わたしが願いさえすれば、父が何万という天使を送って、わたしを守ってくださるのです。しかし、もし今そんなことをしたら、こうなると書いてある聖書のことばが実現しないではありませんか。」そして今度は、群衆に向かって言われました。「剣やこん棒で、これほどものものしく武装しなければならないほど、わたしは凶悪犯なのでしょうか。わたしが毎日神殿で教えていた時には、何の手出しもしなかったではありませんか。いいですか、こうなったのはすべて、預言者たちのことばが実現するためです。」この時、弟子たちはみな、イエスを見捨てて逃げ去りました。暴徒たちは、イエスを大祭司カヤパの家に引っ立てました。ちょうど、ユダヤ人の指導者たちが一堂に集まり、今や遅しと待ちかまえているところでした。一方、ペテロは遠くからあとをつけて行き、大祭司の家の中庭にもぐり込みました。そして兵士たちにまじって、イエスがどんなことになるのか見届けようとしました。そこには、祭司長たちやユダヤの最高議会の全議員が集まり、なんとかイエスを死刑にしようと、偽証する者を捜していました。ところが、偽証する者は多かったのですが、その証言がみな食い違っているのです。そうこうするうちに、ようやく、格好の証人が現れました。二人の男が進み出て、「この男は、『神殿を打ちこわして、三日の間に建て直すことができる』と言っていました」と証言したのです。大祭司はここぞとばかりに立ち上がり、イエスに問いただしました。「さあ、黙っていないで答えたらどうだ。ほんとうにそんなことを言ったのか。それとも言わなかったのか。」それでもなお、イエスは黙っていました。大祭司は続けました。「生ける神の御名によって命じる。あなたは神の子キリストなのかどうか。さあ、はっきり答えてみなさい。」イエスはお答えになりました。「あなたの言ったとおりです。あなたがたは、やがてメシヤ（救い主）のわたしが、神の右の座につき、雲に乗って来るのを見るでしょう。」これを聞いた大祭司は、即座に着物を引き裂き、大声で叫びました。「冒瀆だ！神を汚すことばだ！これだけ聞けば十分だ。さあ、みんなも聞いたとおりだ。この男をどうしよう。」一同はいっせいに叫びました。「死刑だ、死刑にしろ！」そうして、イエスの顔につばをかけたり、なぐったりしました。またある者は、イエスを平手で打ち、「おい、キリストなんだろ。当ててみろ。今おまえを打ったのはだれだ」とからかいました。
一方、ペテロは中庭に座っていましたが、一人の女中がやって来て、「あら、あなたイエスといっしょにいた人じゃないの。二人ともガリラヤの人でしょう」と話しかけました。ところがペテロは、「人違いだ。変な言いがかりはよしてくれ」と大声で否定しました。まずいことになったと、ペテロが急いで出口のほうへ行きかけると、また別の女中に見つかりました。女中は回りの人たちに、「この人もナザレから来たイエスという人といっしょだったわ」と言いました。ペテロはあわててそれを打ち消し、その上、「断じて、そんな男は知らない」と誓いました。ところが、しばらくすると、近くにいた人たちが彼のところへ来て、口々に言い始めました。「いや、おまえは確かにあの男の弟子の一人だ。隠してもむだだ。そのガリラヤなまりが何よりの証拠だ。」たじたじとなったペテロは、「そんな男のことなど、絶対に知らない。これがうそなら、どんな罰が下ってもかまわない」と言いだしました。するとすぐに、鶏の鳴く声が聞こえました。その瞬間、ペテロは、はっとわれに返りました。「鶏が鳴く前に、あなたは三度わたしを知らないと言うでしょう」と言われたイエスのことばを思い出したからです。ペテロは外へ駆け出して行くと、胸も張り裂けんばかりに激しく泣きました。さて、朝になりました。祭司長とユダヤ人の指導者たちはまた集まり、どうやってローマ政府にイエスの死刑を承認させようかと、あれこれ策を練りました。それから、縛ったまま、イエスをローマ総督ピラトに引き渡しました。ところで、裏切り者のユダはどうなったでしょう。イエスに死刑の判決が下されると聞いてはじめて、彼は自分のしたことがどんなに大それたことだったか気づき、深く後悔しました。それで祭司長やユダヤ人の指導者たちのところに銀貨三十枚を返しに行き、「私はとんでもない罪を犯してしまった。罪のない人の血を売ったりして」と言いました。しかし祭司長たちは、「今さらわれわれの知ったことか。かってにしろ」と言って、取り合おうとしませんでした。それでユダは、銀貨を神殿に投げ込み、出て行って首をくくって死んでしまいました。祭司長たちはその銀貨を拾い上げてつぶやきました。「まさか、これを神殿の金庫に入れるわけにもいくまい。人を殺すために使った金だから。」彼らは相談し、その金で、陶器師が粘土を取っていた畑を買い上げ、そこをエルサレムで死んだ外国人の墓地とすることにしました。そこでこの墓地は、今でも「血の畑」と呼ばれています。こうして、「彼らは銀貨三十枚を取った。それは、イスラエルの人々がその人を見積もった値段だ。彼らは、主が私に命じられたように、それで陶器師の畑を買った」というエレミヤの預言のとおりになったのです。さてイエスは、ローマ総督ピラトの前に立ちました。総督はイエスを尋問しました。「おまえはユダヤ人の王なのか。」イエスは「そのとおりです」と答えました。しかし、祭司長とユダヤ人の指導者たちからいろいろな訴えが出されている時は、口をつぐんで、何もお答えになりませんでした。それでピラトはイエスに、「おまえにあれほど不利な証言をしているのが、聞こえないのか」と尋ねました。それでもイエスは何もお答えになりません。これには総督も、驚きあきれてしまいました。ところで、毎年、過越の祭りの間に、ユダヤ人たちが希望する囚人の一人に、総督が恩赦を与える慣習がありました。当時、獄中にはバラバという名の知れた男が捕らえられていました。それでその朝、群衆が官邸に詰めかけた時、ピラトは尋ねました。「さあ、いったいどちらを釈放してほしいのか。バラバか、それともキリストと呼ばれるイエスか。」ピラトがこう言ったのは、イエスが捕らえられたのは、イエスの人気をねたむユダヤ人指導者たちの陰謀だと気づいたからです。裁判の最中に、ピラトのもとへ彼の妻が、「どうぞ、その正しい方に手をお出しになりませんように。ゆうべ、その人のことで恐ろしい夢を見ましたから」と言ってよこしました。ところが、祭司長とユダヤの役人たちは、バラバを釈放し、イエスの死刑を要求するように、群衆をたきつけました。それで、ピラトがもう一度、「二人のうち、どちらを釈放してほしいのか」と尋ねると、群衆は即座に、「バラバを！」と大声で叫んだのでした。「では、キリストと呼ばれるあのイエスは、どうするのだ。」「十字架につけろ！」「どうしてだ。あの男がいったいどんな悪事を働いたというのか。」ピラトがむきになって尋ねても、人々は、「十字架だ！ 十字架につけろ！」と叫び続けるばかりでした。どうにも手のつけようがありません。暴動になるおそれさえ出てきました。あきらめたピラトは、水を入れた鉢を持って来させ、群衆の面前で手を洗い、「この正しい人の血について、私には何の責任もない。責任は全部おまえたちが負いなさい」と言いました。すると群衆は大声で、「かまわない。責任はおれたちや子どもたちの上にふりかかってもいい！」と叫びました。ピラトはやむなくバラバを釈放し、イエスをむち打ってから、十字架につけるためにローマ兵に引き渡しました。兵士たちはまず、イエスを兵営に連れて行き、全部隊を召集すると、イエスの着物をはぎとって赤いガウンを着せ、長いとげのいばらで作った冠を頭に載せ、右手には、王の笏に見立てた葦の棒を持たせました。それから、拝むまねをして、「これはこれは、ユダヤ人の王様。ばんざーい！」とはやし立てました。また、つばをかけたり、葦の棒をひったくって頭をたたいたりしました。こうしてさんざんからかったあげく、赤いガウンを脱がせ、もとの服を着せると、いよいよ十字架につけるために引いて行きました。刑場に行く途中、通りすがりの男にむりやりイエスの十字架を背負わせました。クレネから来合わせたシモンという男でした。ついに、ゴルゴタ、すなわち「どくろの丘」という名で知られる場所に着きました。兵士たちはそこで、薬用のぶどう酒を飲ませようとしましたが、イエスはちょっと口をつけただけで、飲もうとはされませんでした。イエスを十字架につけ終わると、兵士たちはさいころを投げてイエスの着物を分け合いました。それがすむと、今度はその場に座って見張りをしました。またイエスの頭上には、「この者はユダヤ人の王イエスである」と書いた罪状書きを打ちつけました。その朝、強盗が二人、それぞれイエスの右と左で十字架につけられました。刑場のそばを通りかかった人々は、大げさな身ぶりをしながら、口ぎたなくイエスをののしりました。「やい。神殿を打ちこわして、三日のうちに建て直せるんだってな！おまえが神の子だって？それなら、十字架から降りてみろ。」祭司長やユダヤ人の指導者たちも、イエスをあざけりました。「他人は救えるが自分は救えないというわけか。イスラエルの王が聞いてあきれる。さあ、十字架から降りて来い！そうしたら信じてやろうじゃないか。おまえは神に頼っているのだろう。神のお気に入りなら、せいぜい助けていただくがいい。自分を神の子だと言っていたのだから。」強盗までがいっしょになって、悪口をあびせました。さて時間がたち、正午にもなったころ、急にあたりが暗くなり、一面の闇におおわれました。それが三時間も続きました。三時ごろ、イエスは大声で、「エリ、エリ、レマ、サバクタニ」と叫ばれました。それは、「わが神、わが神。どうしてわたしをお見捨てになったのですか」という意味です。近くでその声を聞いた人の中には、「あれはエリヤを呼んでいるのだ」と思う者もいました。一人の男がさっと駆け寄り、海綿に酸っぱいぶどう酒を含ませると、それを葦の棒につけて差し出しました。ところが、ほかの者たちは、「放っておけよ。エリヤが救いに来るかどうか、見ようじゃないか」と言いました。その時、イエスはもう一度大声で叫んで、息を引き取りました。すると、神殿の至聖所を仕切っていた幕が、上から下まで真っ二つに裂けたのです。大地は揺れ動き、岩はくずれました。さらに墓が開いて、生前神に従っていた多くの人たちが生き返りました。彼らはイエスが復活されたあと、墓を出てエルサレムに入り、多くの人の前に姿を現したのです。十字架のそばにいた隊長や兵士たちは、このすさまじい地震やいろいろの出来事を見て震え上がり、「この人はほんとうに神の子だった！」と叫びました。イエスの世話をするためにガリラヤからついて来たたくさんの女たちも、遠くからこの様子を見ていました。マグダラのマリヤ、ヤコブとヨセフの母マリヤ、ゼベダイの息子ヤコブとヨハネの母などです。夕方になりました。イエスの弟子で、アリマタヤ出身のヨセフという金持ちが来て、ピラトに、イエスの遺体を引き取りたいと願い出ました。ピラトは願いを聞き入れ、遺体を渡すように命じました。ヨセフは遺体を取り降ろすと、きれいな亜麻布でくるみ、岩をくり抜いた、自分の新しい墓に納めました。そして、大きな石を転がして入口をふさぎ、帰って行きました。この有様を、マグダラのマリヤともう一人のマリヤが、近くに座って見ていました。翌日の安息日に、祭司長やパリサイ人たちがピラトに願い出ました。「総督閣下。あの大うそつきは、確か、『わたしは三日後に復活する』と言っていました。それをいいことに、弟子たちが死体を盗み出し、イエスは復活したと言いふらしては、まずいことになりかねません。それこそ、このところの騒ぎではすまず、大混乱になるかもしれません。ですからどうぞ、墓を三日目まで見張るように命令を出してください。」ピラトは答えました。「よろしい。では厳重に見張らせるがよい。」そこで彼らは、石に封印をし、警備の者をおいて、だれも忍び込めないようにしました。
Delete福音書（マタイ第21章：第1詩–第11詩）
ReplyDeleteこの読み物はマタイによる福音書です。
一行がエルサレムに近づいて、オリーブ山沿いのベトファゲに来たとき、イエスは二人の弟子を使いに出そうとして、言われた。「向こうの村へ行きなさい。するとすぐ、ろばがつないであり、一緒に子ろばのいるのが見つかる。それをほどいて、わたしのところに引いて来なさい。もし、だれかが何か言ったら、『主がお入り用なのです』と言いなさい。すぐ渡してくれる。」それは、預言者を通して言われていたことが実現するためであった。「シオンの娘に告げよ。『見よ、お前の王がお前のところにおいでになる、柔和な方で、ろばに乗り、荷を負うろばの子、子ろばに乗って。』」弟子たちは行って、イエスが命じられたとおりにし、ろばと子ろばを引いて来て、その上に服をかけると、イエスはそれにお乗りになった。大勢の群衆が自分の服を道に敷き、また、ほかの人々は木の枝を切って道に敷いた。そして群衆は、イエスの前を行く者も後に従う者も叫んだ。「ダビデの子にホサナ。主の名によって来られる方に、祝福があるように。いと高きところにホサナ。」イエスがエルサレムに入られると、都中の者が、「いったい、これはどういう人だ」と言って騒いだ。そこで群衆は、「この方は、ガリラヤのナザレから出た預言者イエスだ」と言った。
第一読み物（イザヤ書第50章：第4詩–第7詩）
この読み物はイザヤ書です。
主なる神は、弟子としての舌をわたしに与え疲れた人を励ますように言葉を呼び覚ましてくださる。朝ごとにわたしの耳を呼び覚まし弟子として聞き従うようにしてくださる。主なる神はわたしの耳を開かれた。わたしは逆らわず、退かなかった。打とうとする者には背中をまかせひげを抜こうとする者には頬をまかせた。顔を隠さずに、嘲りと唾を受けた。主なる神が助けてくださるからわたしはそれを嘲りとは思わない。わたしは顔を硬い石のようにする。わたしは知っているわたしが辱められることはない、と。
詩編（第22章：第8詩–第9詩と第17詩–第20詩と第23詩–第24詩）
お答えは：神よ、私の神よ。どうして私をお見捨てになったのですか？
• わたしを見る人は皆、わたしを嘲笑い唇を突き出し、頭を振る。「主に頼んで救ってもらうがよい。主が愛しておられるなら助けてくださるだろう。」
• 犬どもがわたしを取り囲みさいなむ者が群がってわたしを囲み獅子のようにわたしの手足を砕く。骨が数えられる程になった。
• わたしのからだを彼らはさらしものにして眺めわたしの着物を分け衣を取ろうとしてくじを引く。主よ、あなただけはわたしを遠く離れないでください。わたしの力の神よ今すぐにわたしを助けてください。
• わたしは兄弟たちに御名を語り伝え集会の中であなたを賛美します。主を畏れる人々よ、主を賛美せよ。ヤコブの子孫は皆、主に栄光を帰せよ。イスラエルの子孫は皆、主を恐れよ。
第二読み物（フィリピの信徒第2章：第6詩–第11詩）
この読み物はフィリピの信徒への手紙です。
キリストは、神の身分でありながら、神と等しい者であることに固執しようとは思わず、かえって自分を無にして、僕の身分になり、人間と同じ者になられました。人間の姿で現れ、へりくだって、死に至るまで、それも十字架の死に至るまで従順でした。このため、神はキリストを高く上げ、あらゆる名にまさる名をお与えになりました。こうして、天上のもの、地上のもの、地下のものがすべて、イエスの御名にひざまずき、すべての舌が、「イエス・キリストは主である」と公に宣べて、父である神をたたえるのです。
福音書／パッション（マタイ第26章：第14詩–第27章：第66詩）
Deleteこの読み物はマタイの福音書です。
除酵祭の第一日に、弟子たちがイエスのところに来て、「どこに、過越の食事をなさる用意をいたしましょうか」と言った。イエスは言われた。「都のあの人のところに行ってこう言いなさい。『先生が、「わたしの時が近づいた。お宅で弟子たちと一緒に過越の食事をする」と言っています。』」弟子たちは、イエスに命じられたとおりにして、過越の食事を準備した。夕方になると、イエスは十二人と一緒に食事の席に着かれた。一同が食事をしているとき、イエスは言われた。「はっきり言っておくが、あなたがたのうちの一人がわたしを裏切ろうとしている。」弟子たちは非常に心を痛めて、「主よ、まさかわたしのことでは」と代わる代わる言い始めた。イエスはお答えになった。「わたしと一緒に手で鉢に食べ物を浸した者が、わたしを裏切る。人の子は、聖書に書いてあるとおりに、去って行く。だが、人の子を裏切るその者は不幸だ。生まれなかった方が、その者のためによかった。」イエスを裏切ろうとしていたユダが口をはさんで、「先生、まさかわたしのことでは」と言うと、イエスは言われた。「それはあなたの言ったことだ。」一同が食事をしているとき、イエスはパンを取り、賛美の祈りを唱えて、それを裂き、弟子たちに与えながら言われた。「取って食べなさい。これはわたしの体である。」また、杯を取り、感謝の祈りを唱え、彼らに渡して言われた。「皆、この杯から飲みなさい。これは、罪が赦されるように、多くの人のために流されるわたしの血、契約の血である。言っておくが、わたしの父の国であなたがたと共に新たに飲むその日まで、今後ぶどうの実から作ったものを飲むことは決してあるまい。」一同は賛美の歌をうたってから、オリーブ山へ出かけた。そのとき、イエスは弟子たちに言われた。「今夜、あなたがたは皆わたしにつまずく。『わたしは羊飼いを打つ。すると、羊の群れは散ってしまう』と書いてあるからだ。しかし、わたしは復活した後、あなたがたより先にガリラヤへ行く。」するとペトロが、「たとえ、みんながあなたにつまずいても、わたしは決してつまずきません」と言った。イエスは言われた。「はっきり言っておく。あなたは今夜、鶏が鳴く前に、三度わたしのことを知らないと言うだろう。」ペトロは、「たとえ、御一緒に死なねばならなくなっても、あなたのことを知らないなどとは決して申しません」と言った。弟子たちも皆、同じように言った。それから、イエスは弟子たちと一緒にゲツセマネという所に来て、「わたしが向こうへ行って祈っている間、ここに座っていなさい」と言われた。ペトロおよびゼベダイの子二人を伴われたが、そのとき、悲しみもだえ始められた。そして、彼らに言われた。「わたしは死ぬばかりに悲しい。ここを離れず、わたしと共に目を覚ましていなさい。」少し進んで行って、うつ伏せになり、祈って言われた。「父よ、できることなら、この杯をわたしから過ぎ去らせてください。しかし、わたしの願いどおりではなく、御心のままに。」それから、弟子たちのところへ戻って御覧になると、彼らは眠っていたので、ペトロに言われた。「あなたがたはこのように、わずか一時もわたしと共に目を覚ましていられなかったのか。誘惑に陥らぬよう、目を覚まして祈っていなさい。心は燃えても、肉体は弱い。」更に、二度目に向こうへ行って祈られた。「父よ、わたしが飲まないかぎりこの杯が過ぎ去らないのでしたら、あなたの御心が行われますように。」再び戻って御覧になると、弟子たちは眠っていた。ひどく眠かったのである。そこで、彼らを離れ、また向こうへ行って、三度目も同じ言葉で祈られた。それから、弟子たちのところに戻って来て言われた。「あなたがたはまだ眠っている。休んでいる。時が近づいた。人の子は罪人たちの手に引き渡される。立て、行こう。見よ、わたしを裏切る者が来た。」イエスがまだ話しておられると、十二人の一人であるユダがやって来た。祭司長たちや民の長老たちの遣わした大勢の群衆も、剣や棒を持って一緒に来た。イエスを裏切ろうとしていたユダは、「わたしが接吻するのが、その人だ。それを捕まえろ」と、前もって合図を決めていた。ユダはすぐイエスに近寄り、「先生、こんばんは」と言って接吻した。イエスは、「友よ、しようとしていることをするがよい」と言われた。すると人々は進み寄り、イエスに手をかけて捕らえた。そのとき、イエスと一緒にいた者の一人が、手を伸ばして剣を抜き、大祭司の手下に打ちかかって、片方の耳を切り落とした。そこで、イエスは言われた。「剣をさやに納めなさい。剣を取る者は皆、剣で滅びる。わたしが父にお願いできないとでも思うのか。お願いすれば、父は十二軍団以上の天使を今すぐ送ってくださるであろう。しかしそれでは、必ずこうなると書かれている聖書の言葉がどうして実現されよう。」またそのとき、群衆に言われた。「まるで強盗にでも向かうように、剣や棒を持って捕らえに来たのか。わたしは毎日、神殿の境内に座って教えていたのに、あなたたちはわたしを捕らえなかった。このすべてのことが起こったのは、預言者たちの書いたことが実現するためである。」このとき、弟子たちは皆、イエスを見捨てて逃げてしまった。人々はイエスを捕らえると、大祭司カイアファのところへ連れて行った。そこには、律法学者たちや長老たちが集まっていた。ペトロは遠く離れてイエスに従い、大祭司の屋敷の中庭まで行き、事の成り行きを見ようと、中に入って、下役たちと一緒に座っていた。さて、祭司長たちと最高法院の全員は、死刑にしようとしてイエスにとって不利な偽証を求めた。偽証人は何人も現れたが、証拠は得られなかった。最後に二人の者が来て、「この男は、『神の神殿を打ち倒し、三日あれば建てることができる』と言いました」と告げた。そこで、大祭司は立ち上がり、イエスに言った。「何も答えないのか、この者たちがお前に不利な証言をしているが、どうなのか。」イエスは黙り続けておられた。大祭司は言った。「生ける神に誓って我々に答えよ。お前は神の子、メシアなのか。」イエスは言われた。「それは、あなたが言ったことです。しかし、わたしは言っておく。あなたたちはやがて、人の子が全能の神の右に座り、天の雲に乗って来るのを見る。」そこで、大祭司は服を引き裂きながら言った。「神を冒瀆した。これでもまだ証人が必要だろうか。諸君は今、冒瀆の言葉を聞いた。どう思うか。」人々は、「死刑にすべきだ」と答えた。そして、イエスの顔に唾を吐きかけ、こぶしで殴り、ある者は平手で打ちながら、「メシア、お前を殴ったのはだれか。言い当ててみろ」と言った。ペトロは外にいて中庭に座っていた。そこへ一人の女中が近寄って来て、「あなたもガリラヤのイエスと一緒にいた」と言った。ペトロは皆の前でそれを打ち消して、「何のことを言っているのか、わたしには分からない」と言った。ペトロが門の方に行くと、ほかの女中が彼に目を留め、居合わせた人々に、「この人はナザレのイエスと一緒にいました」と言った。そこで、ペトロは再び、「そんな人は知らない」と誓って打ち消した。しばらくして、そこにいた人々が近寄って来てペトロに言った。「確かに、お前もあの連中の仲間だ。言葉遣いでそれが分かる。」そのとき、ペトロは呪いの言葉さえ口にしながら、「そんな人は知らない」と誓い始めた。するとすぐ、鶏が鳴いた。ペトロは、「鶏が鳴く前に、あなたは三度わたしを知らないと言うだろう」と言われたイエスの言葉を思い出した。そして外に出て、激しく泣いた。夜が明けると、祭司長たちと民の長老たち一同は、イエスを殺そうと相談した。そして、イエスを縛って引いて行き、総督ピラトに渡した。そのころ、イエスを裏切ったユダは、イエスに有罪の判決が下ったのを知って後悔し、銀貨三十枚を祭司長たちや長老たちに返そうとして、「わたしは罪のない人の血を売り渡し、罪を犯しました」と言った。しかし彼らは、「我々の知ったことではない。お前の問題だ」と言った。そこで、ユダは銀貨を神殿に投げ込んで立ち去り、首をつって死んだ。祭司長たちは銀貨を拾い上げて、「これは血の代金だから、神殿の収入にするわけにはいかない」と言い、相談のうえ、その金で「陶器職人の畑」を買い、外国人の墓地にすることにした。このため、この畑は今日まで「血の畑」と言われている。こうして、預言者エレミヤを通して言われていたことが実現した。「彼らは銀貨三十枚を取った。それは、値踏みされた者、すなわち、イスラエルの子らが値踏みした者の価である。主がわたしにお命じになったように、彼らはこの金で陶器職人の畑を買い取った。」さて、イエスは総督の前に立たれた。総督がイエスに、「お前がユダヤ人の王なのか」と尋問すると、イエスは、「それは、あなたが言っていることです」と言われた。祭司長たちや長老たちから訴えられている間、これには何もお答えにならなかった。するとピラトは、「あのようにお前に不利な証言をしているのに、聞こえないのか」と言った。それでも、どんな訴えにもお答えにならなかったので、総督は非常に不思議に思った。ところで、祭りの度ごとに、総督は民衆の希望する囚人を一人釈放することにしていた。そのころ、バラバ・イエスという評判の囚人がいた。ピラトは、人々が集まって来たときに言った。「どちらを釈放してほしいのか。バラバ・イエスか。それともメシアといわれるイエスか。」人々がイエスを引き渡したのは、ねたみのためだと分かっていたからである。
一方、ピラトが裁判の席に着いているときに、妻から伝言があった。「あの正しい人に関係しないでください。その人のことで、わたしは昨夜、夢で随分苦しめられました。」しかし、祭司長たちや長老たちは、バラバを釈放して、イエスを死刑に処してもらうようにと群衆を説得した。そこで、総督が、「二人のうち、どちらを釈放してほしいのか」と言うと、人々は、「バラバを」と言った。ピラトが、「では、メシアといわれているイエスの方は、どうしたらよいか」と言うと、皆は、「十字架につけろ」と言った。ピラトは、「いったいどんな悪事を働いたというのか」と言ったが、群衆はますます激しく、「十字架につけろ」と叫び続けた。ピラトは、それ以上言っても無駄なばかりか、かえって騒動が起こりそうなのを見て、水を持って来させ、群衆の前で手を洗って言った。「この人の血について、わたしには責任がない。お前たちの問題だ。」民はこぞって答えた。「その血の責任は、我々と子孫にある。」そこで、ピラトはバラバを釈放し、イエスを鞭打ってから、十字架につけるために引き渡した。それから、総督の兵士たちは、イエスを総督官邸に連れて行き、部隊の全員をイエスの周りに集めた。そして、イエスの着ている物をはぎ取り、赤い外套を着せ、茨で冠を編んで頭に載せ、また、右手に葦の棒を持たせて、その前にひざまずき、「ユダヤ人の王、万歳」と言って、侮辱した。また、唾を吐きかけ、葦の棒を取り上げて頭をたたき続けた。このようにイエスを侮辱したあげく、外套を脱がせて元の服を着せ、十字架につけるために引いて行った。兵士たちは出て行くと、シモンという名前のキレネ人に出会ったので、イエスの十字架を無理に担がせた。そして、ゴルゴタという所、すなわち「されこうべの場所」に着くと、苦いものを混ぜたぶどう酒を飲ませようとしたが、イエスはなめただけで、飲もうとされなかった。彼らはイエスを十字架につけると、くじを引いてその服を分け合い、そこに座って見張りをしていた。イエスの頭の上には、「これはユダヤ人の王イエスである」と書いた罪状書きを掲げた。折から、イエスと一緒に二人の強盗が、一人は右にもう一人は左に、十字架につけられていた。そこを通りかかった人々は、頭を振りながらイエスをののしって、言った。「神殿を打ち倒し、三日で建てる者、神の子なら、自分を救ってみろ。そして十字架から降りて来い。」同じように、祭司長たちも律法学者たちや長老たちと一緒に、イエスを侮辱して言った。「他人は救ったのに、自分は救えない。イスラエルの王だ。今すぐ十字架から降りるがいい。そうすれば、信じてやろう。神に頼っているが、神の御心ならば、今すぐ救ってもらえ。『わたしは神の子だ』と言っていたのだから。」一緒に十字架につけられた強盗たちも、同じようにイエスをののしった。さて、昼の十二時に、全地は暗くなり、それが三時まで続いた。三時ごろ、イエスは大声で叫ばれた。「エリ、エリ、レマ、サバクタニ。」これは、「わが神、わが神、なぜわたしをお見捨てになったのですか」という意味である。そこに居合わせた人々のうちには、これを聞いて、「この人はエリヤを呼んでいる」と言う者もいた。そのうちの一人が、すぐに走り寄り、海綿を取って酸いぶどう酒を含ませ、葦の棒に付けて、イエスに飲ませようとした。ほかの人々は、「待て、エリヤが彼を救いに来るかどうか、見ていよう」と言った。しかし、イエスは再び大声で叫び、息を引き取られた。そのとき、神殿の垂れ幕が上から下まで真っ二つに裂け、地震が起こり、岩が裂け、墓が開いて、眠りについていた多くの聖なる者たちの体が生き返った。そして、イエスの復活の後、墓から出て来て、聖なる都に入り、多くの人々に現れた。百人隊長や一緒にイエスの見張りをしていた人たちは、地震やいろいろの出来事を見て、非常に恐れ、「本当に、この人は神の子だった」と言った。またそこでは、大勢の婦人たちが遠くから見守っていた。この婦人たちは、ガリラヤからイエスに従って来て世話をしていた人々である。その中には、マグダラのマリア、ヤコブとヨセフの母マリア、ゼベダイの子らの母がいた。夕方になると、アリマタヤ出身の金持ちでヨセフという人が来た。この人もイエスの弟子であった。この人がピラトのところに行って、イエスの遺体を渡してくれるようにと願い出た。そこでピラトは、渡すようにと命じた。ヨセフはイエスの遺体を受け取ると、きれいな亜麻布に包み、岩に掘った自分の新しい墓の中に納め、墓の入り口には大きな石を転がしておいて立ち去った。マグダラのマリアともう一人のマリアとはそこに残り、墓の方を向いて座っていた。明くる日、すなわち、準備の日の翌日、祭司長たちとファリサイ派の人々は、ピラトのところに集まって、こう言った。「閣下、人を惑わすあの者がまだ生きていたとき、『自分は三日後に復活する』と言っていたのを、わたしたちは思い出しました。ですから、三日目まで墓を見張るように命令してください。そうでないと、弟子たちが来て死体を盗み出し、『イエスは死者の中から復活した』などと民衆に言いふらすかもしれません。そうなると、人々は前よりもひどく惑わされることになります。」ピラトは言った。「あなたたちには、番兵がいるはずだ。行って、しっかりと見張らせるがよい。」そこで、彼らは行って墓の石に封印をし、番兵をおいた。
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