For those who wanted to know the readings for the Holy Mass this coming Sunday, here they are:
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: Matthew 26:14 - 27:66
Warning! The Gospel on Sunday will be very long. And there's a possibility that you will fall asleep when this is being read. That's the reason why I am posting the readings as early as now so if you have your Bibles with you, you can read in advance and have a better understanding of what the Gospel says. I am also giving some inputs regarding some verses. I took notes during the Bible study and thought of sharing it with you.
(Mt 26:17) The word Passover was being mentioned in this verse. Passover is the time when the angel of death "passed over" the houses of the those who painted their doors with the blood of a lamb. This happened during the time of Moses "negotiating" with the Pharaoh to free the Israelites. Plagues were sent and the last of them was the death of all the first born. When the Pharaoh gave up and freed them, they left in such a hurry that the bread they brought were made without leavening. That's why during the celebration of the Passover, unleavened bread is eaten.
***Note: During Passover, 4 cups of wine are drunk.
1. Thanksgiving - this is taken before the meal.
2. Promise - this is taken after the blessing of food
3. Thanksgiving - taken after eating the bread
4. Completion - at the conclusion of the Passover meal
(verse 27) The cup that Jesus took here is the third cup because he drank it after eating the bread which He also distributed to all His disciples.
(verse 28) Jesus was talking here about the covenant. But what is this covenant? Well, this is the covenant between God and man that His Son will give up His life for the forgiveness of our sins. The meal and the blood are the seals of this covenant.
(verse 32) Galilee is the place where they usually hold their gatherings or meetings. This place was considered as their "headquarter" before. That's why this place was mentioned here because it has a significance in their lives.
(verse 36) Jesus went to Gethsema. He was talking to His disciples but only three of His disciples where actually with Him. These were Peter, James and John whom were the closest to His heart.
(verse 39) Jesus mentioned in this verse a "cup". Remember when I mentioned earlier that there are 4 cups drank during Passover? It was the fourth cup that he was referring to. It was the cup of Completion and He mentioned in verse 29 that He will not take this until the day when the proper time has come for the fulfillment of His covenant.
(verse 65) He was accused of blasphemy. Back then, the punishment of this sin is death by stoning. This time, the people wanted Him to die on a cross.
(verse 69 - 75) Peter denied that He knows Jesus for three times and after the third time, the cry of the cock was heard. Peter remembered what Jesus told Him, that he will deny Him 3 times before the cock's cry. He wept bitterly.
(Mt 27: 3 - 5) Judas Iscariot regretted what he has done and decided to just give back the silver that the chief priests paid him. The chief priest did not accept this and Judas hanged himself.
***Comparison between Peter's and Judas' reaction. (personal opinion)
Peter did not commit suicide, maybe because he is confident that Jesus will forgive him. Judas, on the other hand, underestimated God's forgiveness and just decided to commit suicide.
(verse 11) Jesus was sent to Pilate because they want Him to be crucified and only the Roman government can put a man to death by crucifixion.Pilate fears being dethroned so he gave Jesus' judgment to the people.
(verse 16,20 and 21) Barabbas was mentioned in these verses. His name is Jesus Barabbas, which means Son of the father. Jesus Christ, on the other hand, means Son of Man. During the feast, one prisoner is being set free depending on whom the people will select. It was Barabbas who was selected because of the influence of the high priests.
(verse 37) This famous statement was put over his head, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS, or the very famous "INRI" which is Iesu Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum.
(verse 46) He shouted, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani.
(verse 48-50) One person took a sponge and made it full of bitter wine. He put it in a rod and gave him drink. The rod that was used here is the hyssop stalk. This kind of stalk was the one used during the time of Moses to paint the doors with the blood of a lamb. The drink that he took here was the fourth cup, the cup of completion. After drinking this last cup, He gave up His spirit.
(verse 51) The curtain of the Temple was parted in two from end to end starting the upper part. This symbolizes that what happened is not made by man but by God.
That's all, hope you enjoyed reading the verses. The things I wrote here are just to give some explanations and background of what we'll be hearing on Sunday's Gospel. That's all for me. Comments are accepted. All your suggestions and feedbacks are highly appreciated.
Let Us Journey Together,
Cath
