“... they led him to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiphas who was high priest that year” (Jn 18:13); “and Annas sent him bound to Caiphas” (Jn 18:23), “where the scribes and elders were assembled” (Mk 14:53).
The series of humiliations has began. All public places and tribunals of Jerusalem have seen his helplessness. He was dragged amidst jeers -- from Annas to Caiphas, to the Council, to Pilate, to Herod and back to Pilate. Then to the praetorium to be scourged, and to the steps for the people to see. Finally, he was led out, bearing his cross, to Calvary.
The question of Caiphas was twofold: on the disciples of Jesus and his doctrine. “Jesus answered, ‘I have spoken openly; ask them who have heard what I have spoken to them’.” (Jn 18:19-20) He was silent over the first.
What good testimony could he make of his disciples? At that moment one was denying him, and the others in hiding for fear of sharing their Master’s fate. He loved them too much to blame them; thus, remained silent.
On his doctrine, the questions were malicious, to extract a pretext for blame and condemnation. Jesus relied on appealing to public testimony, clearly showing he knew their guilty intentions. He had nothing to fear from a severe but just examination of what he had said and taught.
Our Lord gives us an example of silence when we cannot speak well of our neighbor. We learn also to watch our words, and to be prudent in what we say in public. If we are afterwards falsely accused, we may also appeal to the testimony of whoever heard us.
One of the servants gave Jesus a blow, saying, “Is that how you answer the high-priest?” (Jn 18:22) Jesus answered, “If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strike me? (Jn 18:23).
It is almost impossible to understand the intensity of this outrage against God and our Saviour. He received a blow, the greatest insult one man can give another, in the open court, from the hand of a servant. Made as a mark of correction from a brutal man to the Master of creation and Infinite Wisdom.
Did he take revenge for this cruel insolence? He gave a meek and prudent answer; no resentment at all.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp101-3
On generosity
If, despite our struggle we still persist in selfishness, we will look again at Our Lady with the desire of imitating her in her generosity, the joy of giving ourselves to others. We must understand better how generosity enriches and widens the heart. And we must realize that selfishness is like a slow-acting poison that acts insidiously but with deadly effect.
Close to Mary, we perceive that God has made us for himself. Each time we give ourselves exclusively to our own plans, concentrating on ourselves and our personal affairs while ignoring him, we die a little more.
Generosity to God must be shown by generosity to our fellow-men. A characteristic of generosity is knowing how to ignore those little irritations that can arise in daily life. Knowing how to smile and make life more agreeable to those around us, although they may be suffering setbacks; to give others the benefit of the doubt; to accept people as they are.
When we approach the altar, let us endeavor to carry with us many deeds of understanding for others, courtesy, generosity and mercy. Our Mother, Mary, will help us to discover many opportunities in our everyday occupations of giving ourselves generously to the people around us.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:192; 2:59-60
Sharing With Others
The path to God is not covered with interior joy alone. Man desires to bring others to Him, too. He, therefore becomes a messenger and apostle of the love of God: “Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds.” (Is 12:4)
Man obedient to God’s grace discovers the world of God’s works, which are hidden to the eyes of the sinner. Man guided by divine grace also desires to ‘share the nearness to God, which he experiences, with others’.
Well, I want to tell you, in Christ’s name-- Have humble and courageous awareness of what the Father has given you. Let this awareness be your strength, your light, your hope. Give the world what the Father has given you: the kingdom of God.
Do not weary from continually seeking even the slightest occasions for widening prudent and sincere contacts with that great human and social reality in which you are immersed as leaven. Thus, conduct and carry forward that work of promotion, based on truth, justice and respect for the dignity of the person, which constitutes the necessary premise for the world to have knowledge of Christ in the faith and in the Church ...
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, pp33-4
The Heart of the World
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! ... Let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” (Is 25:9) These words of Isaiah invite us to trust in the Lord ...
On the mountain of victory he is preparing a festive banquet for all peoples. Tears will be wiped away from all faces and death will be eliminated for ever. Peace will reign. Christ, Son of the Virgin Mary, will be the heart of the world.
Let us pray that the Father’s will may be done, making all people children of God through the unifying action of the Spirit.
Ref: “Breakfast with the Pope, Daily Readings”, Pope John Paul II, 1995, p120
Foundation of Savigny, in the diocese of Avranches, in Normandy, in honor of the Blessed Virgin, about the year 1112, by the blessed Vitalis, hermit, who was its first abbot. — Gallia Christi, t. iv. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of Savigny, France (1112). (MaryLinks Calendar.htm)
Memorial: St Frances of Rome, religious -- A mother of three children, she zealously performed every duty at home, saying-- ‘A married woman must often leave God at the altar to find Him in her household care.’ (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1491)
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