passion1

April 13

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Monday, April 13, Easter Weekday

JOHN 3:1-8

Born Again

Prayerthoughts

a. It is significant that Nicodemus was a “ruler” and yet was asking for an explanation of something he did not understand. In my speech, am I open to the fact that others can teach me something?

b. It is clear that people have “God with them” as Nicodemus speaks about Jesus. Do I tend to think of people with the thought that God is with them?

c. The Greek word for “from above” can also be understood as the thought of “again.” Nicodemus speaks from the thought of “again” and therefore misunderstands Jesus. Nicodemus is humble enough to search for an explanation. Do I admit it when I do not understand something?

d. If I want to be part of the eternal kingdom, I must be “born again” through Baptism and the Holy Spirit. Am I acting “born again” with my attitude?

e. The Spirit is always active in my life just like the wind that blows. I need to be more aware of the Spirit alive around me in everything that happens, realizing that the Lord is always active in my life.

f. My prayerthoughts…

Today, I will read Acts of the Apostles 4: 23-31 and write down an important thought.

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

ACTING LIKE WE ARE BAPTIZED

+ Studying the directives of Jesus in the Gospel, speaking to Nicodemus, we have in fact been born again– our Baptism

- begotten of water and the Spirit

- the question of spirituality: has this adjusted our lives like it should

- that is, do we act like we are born of water and the Spirit?

+ Part of what that means comes from the first reading which is a continuation of the presentation of the Acts of the Apostles

- looking at the historical pericope

- and in particular the prayer of the early disciples after their first brush with opposition that later was to take their lives

1 – part of our prayer and life should have to do with seeking assurance from God

- the disciples’ words: “take note of their threats…”, that is, help us understand God’s presence in whatever happens

- that is, learning to look at the world, even the bad things that happen as one continuous sign from God

- God is speaking to us

- God’s power in nature

- God’s power in the working out of things in life

- learning to see that God is directing how things always come to a good final goal

2 – speaking God’s word

- “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

- this is a common application to the readings of every day

- it involves speaking God’s word directly at times

- “this is what God wants” said in whatever circumstances

- but especially it involves speaking God’s word “indirectly”

- the way that we talk and act

- but especially in the way that we think

- so that we begin to truly think as a holy person

+ We are baptized, or born again

- that should do something profound to our lives.

MEDIA PRESENTATION

Movie: "The Passion of the Christ" -- beginning session

JESUS'S PASSION I

The Gospel

MARK 14:32-72

They came to a place named Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took with him Peter, James and John and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch." He advanced a little and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by him; he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will." When he returned he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Withdrawing again, he prayed, saying the same thing. Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open and did not know what to answer him. He returned a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. See, my betrayer is at hand."
Then, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs who had come from the chief priests, the scribes and the elders....He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword, struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his ear....They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together....
Peter was below in the courtyard; one of the high priest's maids came along...and said "You too were with the Nazarene, Jesus." But he denied it....Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times." He broke down and wept.

Gospelthink: I should spend some time thinking about the denials of Judas and Peter.

Director Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ" has been called one of the most moving movies of all time. It is moving because of the subject matter. Christians cannot help but be interested in a film about their leader. This movie is that and much more. Some critics have called it the most violent film they have ever seen. It is clear that Mel Gibson wanted to make graphic and inescapable the price that Jesus paid when he died for our sins, as Christians believe he did. But the movie is also a commentary about the feelings of Jesus and his mother Mary.
The first part of the passion of Jesus is portrayed during this session of the movie that includes: the agony in the Garden, the betrayal by Judas, the initial feelings of Jesus's Mother Mary, the dream of Pontius Pilate's wife, the interrogation by the chief priests, the betrayal of Peter, the death of Judas, and the first visit to Pilate.

During one of the scenes of the first part of the movie "The Passion of the Christ," Jesus’s mother Mary senses where Jesus is being kept overnight by his captors. Jesus is in chains. Mary goes to him in love wanting with all her heart to help him if she possibly can.

As Mary, we may not be able to help Jesus as he suffered years ago, but we can be aware of what he wanted to do, and reflecting on it, both thank him, and be more willing to follow him as our Savior.

THOUGHT
What should Jesus's passion and death mean to you personally?

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son suffered in a violent way for us. As we think of his passion and death, our attitude should be that of his friends and especially his mother. Give us the inspiration to love you all the more, and the desire to follow your Son better than we are now. Be with us, we pray.