| March 24, 2002 Isaiah 50:4-7 + Philippians 2:6-11 + Matthew 26: 14-66 |
| The Passion of Matthew reflects and deep and intense search for Justice, and when we proclaim it evecy three years, it ought to renew and deepen our own intense desire for Justice. Much of Matthew’s material is taken from Mark, and the additions that are unique to Matthew reflect that early Jewish community’s passion for Justice and their Old Testament rooted conviction that the suffering of the innocent cries to heaven for justice, and we shall find there, a source of Justice that will free and restore the innocent and confront those who have persecuted them so. |
| The death of Judas, the introduction of Pilate’s wife, the washing of the procurator’s hands, and the spectacular events following the death of Jesus offer us insight into Matthew’s intention. The issue is the fundamental quest for Justice and vindication of the innocent sufferer. So, the Passion according to Matthew is a presentation of the ultimate trial of the righteous Victim, and Matthew provides in his Passion Narrative the evidence of innocence in the face of this unjust death. |
| Listen to this Proclamation then from that view.Be moved by the injustice and the conspiracy against the innocent one, and be upset by the complicity between the Jewish authorities and the Roman officials.It is the year to be shocked again by this travesty – a travesty that continues,for this is not just a stocy of the past.We do not yet live in the age of perfect Justice,and we have not the right to be passive as long as there is any injustice oppression of the innocent.The innocent stlll suffer evecywhere,and the unattended suffering of so many still cries to heaven. |
| We who are Baptized and profess belief in Jesus Christmay not allow the passion of the body of Christ to go unchallenged, for doing so puts us in the same complicity as those who handed him over. falsely accused Him, and cried for the release of Barabbas in His place. |
| Here then, Matthew’s call to action in the search for Justice. |