Monday of Holy Week
(Isaiah 42:1-7; John
12:1-11)
Anti-Christian
theorists claim that the apostles invented the passion story. They say that after Jesus was crucified, the
apostles invented a narrative of how it took place using minutia that they
found in the Scriptures. They even believe
that St. Paul admits this when he writes in I Corinthians, “…Christ died for
our sins in accordance with the Scriptures…”
The Paschal event –
Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection – defies ordinary experience. But that does not mean that it was made
up. It is unique because it was God who
entered history to save humans from themselves.
It is much more likely that the apostles saw what happened to Jesus and
reflected on it. Then they proclaimed
the historical event with emphasis on those details that corresponded to
Scripture. The coincidence was not scant
but multiple and profound. Many of the
references in the Passion accounts refer to the Suffering Servant, whom we meet
in the first reading today. Christ, like
the Servant, did establish righteousness without fanfare. He has become, like the Servant, “a light to
the nations.”
Some people try to find
justification for their wrongdoing by denying the truth of authority. We can find this taking place in those who deny
the authenticity of the gospel. Not
wanting to repent of their misdeeds as Jesus taught, they try to discredit Jesus. We are wise not to follow this tack. In following his teaching, we become more
fully human. Going to the cross with
him, we will find eternal happiness.
