During this Lenten Season, how one can Meditate on the Passion is discussed in this link. We can be in Union with Mary at the foot of The Cross in this Link. But how can we truly understand the Mystery of the Passion? How can we meditate and truly understand the sacrifice Our Lord made for all of us?
This conference discusses the Passion in a different way. This set of audio takes us along the walk of the Passion; takes us through the timeline, when the events occurred; takes us to the places where the Passion occurred; and finally describes the Characters of the Passion : Not Named Jesus or Mary. Understanding this aspect by dissecting the Gospel, gives us an in-depth way to understand and meditate on this most special Mystery of the Passion.
Gospel & Homily: Conference #1: The Characters of the Passion on the Night of the Passion (Holy Thursday night): Peter and Judas
The Passion of Our Lord does not begin on Friday, the day he turns himself over to the world. It begins the night before. On this night He is aware Judas will betray Him. Yet, Jesus gives Himself to Judas, fully knowing what is to come. How remarkable, and in keeping with the events of the next day. The audio takes us through Peter’s failure, and the difference between his failure, and Judas’ failure.
Conference #2: Before focusing on the Passion, the audio first begins with a discussion of Our Lady of Sorrows, a new image (right) at the Shrine, but one that is very old in style. (0-6:30)
Conference #2: The Morning of the Passion: Trial, Judgement, Punishment and Condemnation
Its important to look at the places of The Passion and the other Characters of The Passion by looking at each scene of The Passion. In doing so when we meditate, we have much to learn. The conference points out The Passion happens in several locations, not just Calvary. We walk through the house of the High Priests, the halls of Government (Pilate), to the palace (Herod) then back to the halls of government (Pilate) before Jesus is condemned. Look how much takes place away from Calvary. Once The Passion starts, there is no pause. The Gospel provides to us the details, and there is no pause. Not for us, and not for Jesus.
The High Priests first witness to Jesus, where the “show of looking for the truth” is made, so they may condemn. The verdict was known before Jesus walked before these religious leaders. Jesus with the religious leaders, several details are pointed out, including the first person to strike Jesus during His Passion.
As the sun begins to rise (6:00 A.M.), He is already lead to Pilate. Before Pilate has his breakfast, before any other business of the day, Jesus is brought to Pilate by the religious leaders. Why this is so, is discussed in the audio. Pilate doesn’t know who Jesus is and does not know the details. Likely he is thinking, this is a religious manner, not Pilate’s issue. The religious leaders need Jesus to be killed, but they do not have the authority. Why was this? This is discussed in the audio.
Pilate’s thought process is explained, and hands off Jesus to Herod. It’s now likely 6:30 ish in the morning, and Jesus is dragged across town the Herod. This is good, says Herod. Herod is curious about Jesus and wanted to meet Him. Remember, Herod was also curious about St. John the Baptist. He likes religious experiences, but Herod doesn’t want any of these things to change him. Herod is like the world. Herod desires to listen to Him. To see a miracle. But his heart will not change in the presence of Jesus. He wants an experience, something to happen. Jesus comes and doesn’t give Herod what he wants. How similar to the world. Ask Jesus something you desire. Jesus does not give Herod what he desires. And therefore, he becomes arrogant. Hear more about Jesus and Herod in the audio and how it impacts the world.
Its now 8:00 A. M. in the morning and Jesus is in front of Pilate again. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He states this several times. But he is faced with the problem. You (the religious leaders) take him, says Pilate. They were not allowed. Pilate is a slave of public opinion. Its not about right or wrong. Its about opinion and what does he do. Pilate says, I know. What if I release Him because of the Passover custom? What if Pilate forgives Him. The religious leaders do not want Jesus. The world wants Barabbas. So, Pilate cannot get rid of this problem called Jesus. See what Pilate’s remaining actions and how they impact us today.
Conference #3: The conference begins by stating how rich and deep the stories of this Mystery of the Passion really is. Think about your Rosary. The five Joyous Mysteries span twelve years in time. The five Illuminous Mysteries span three years of time. The Glorious Mysteries span a few decades. The Sorrowful Mysteries span twenty four hours.
That is why when reflecting on this Mystery there is such a great deal of information to meditate on. Jesus maintains his dignity and is always in control of himself. In this mist of these activities and chaos, the Lord remains the Lord. He has a calm about Him even through the agony. The audio provides some insights on this aspect of the reflection.
This conference #3 focuses on the Characters of The Cross. To be clear, we do not know how long Jesus is on The Cross. Traditionally, it is said to be three hours, but this is not known for sure. St. Mark says that Jesus is crucified at 9:00 A,M. (the third hour). The timeline of St Mark states He is on The Cross for six hours. The other Gospels do not pin point a time. However, each state at 12:00 (noon) the sun went dark. Therefore, the Lord was on The Cross for more than three hours by this reference. For three hours at the height of The Passion, is three hours of darkness and cold. How this may influence your meditation is also discussed in the audio.
The Lord takes up His Cross. To the eyes of the world, man places the cross into Jesus hands However, that is not true. Jesus takes up His Cross. As he does so, new faces appear. The two convicted criminals. These criminals are guilty. The Lord walks among the guilty. Pilate says Jesus is not guilty, but He is sentenced to walk amongst the guilty. As the criminals walk, Christ is walking with them. As they move toward their deaths, Jesus is walking with them. Jesus doesn’t have disciples, but rather two criminals. What a lesson for us all! This lesson is further meditated upon during the audio. If you wish to hear more about these criminals, in an amazing story that also involves Mary, that also had many in the audience in tears, listen to the following audio in this link: (Listen to Conference #3 within this link. Hear more about the two thieves, plus the amazing story that also involves the Blessed Mother).
The crowds recede from view. The priests are there, mocking Jesus. Soldiers are still there at the foot of The Cross dividing the clothing. The world is like this. The world states this is what I want from Jesus. Here is what I will take. The soldiers are not interested in what Jesus wants to give them. They are interested in what they’ll take from Him. Hear more on this topic.
Then there are the others. Depending on the Gospel, different people are present. St. Mark does not talk about anyone at the foot of The Cross. St. Mark stresses the loneness and abandonment at The Cross. St. John’s Gospel has a cluster of people. Mary, the Blessed Mother; the beloved disciple; Mary of Magdalen; and possibly several others depending upon the translation. The rest of the minor characters recede from view. Hear about those that were at the foot of The Cross. If you are interested in hearing about St. John and how his heart changed during Holy Week; how a man became a Saint, listen to this link.
There is one other character depicted in the audio> Simon. Was he a saint, or someone just pressed into service? The audio dives into this topic.
Finally, The Characters of The Cross: Briefly, Our Blessed Mother, St. John, Mary Magdalen, and the Roman Centurion. The audio covers each of these characters. We hope you enjoy listening to these audios and that they provide information for your meditation and assists you on your own Spiritual Journey.
Conference #1: The Characters of the Passion on the Night of the Passion (Holy Thursday night): Peter and Judas
Conference #2: The Morning of the Passion: Trial, Judgement, Punishment and Condemnation
Conference #3: Characters of The Cross
