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Passion (Palm) Sunday,
Cycle C
March 24, 2013
St. Mark’s Church, Fallston, MD
Luke’s
Jesus Is Innocent, Caring, and in Communion
By (Rev.
Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Injustice
Most of us can
recall a time in our lives when we were treated unfairly or unjustly.
The earliest time I can
remember came in 1st Grade when some tattletale accused me of
stuffing our class pet snake’s mouth with dirt killing him. True, I was no angel,
but I didn’t kill that snake, yet I still got punished.
On a more seriously
note, in recent years some of the former employees of Bethlehem Steel had to
feel unfairly treated when they lost their pensions.
Others who have
worked for the Federal Government for many years must feel unfairly treated by
the furloughs or job cuts taking place right now.
Or perhaps we have
felt unfairly treated by a friend who has turned us off and rejected us. My guess is that for most of us these are
common experiences.
Jesus himself, as we
just heard, experienced great injustice and this sense of injustice is the
background for the messages that Saint Luke is getting across in telling his
version of the story of Jesus’ suffering and death.
Jesus’ Innocence
St. Luke carefully emphasizes Jesus’
innocence in contrast to the other three gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, and
John.
Ø Only in Luke’s gospel does Pilate three times declare Jesus
innocent.
Ø Only in Luke does Herod also pronounce Jesus innocent.
Ø Only Luke carefully recalls the words of the one criminal
being crucified with Jesus: “We have been condemned
justly, but this man has done nothing [wrong].”
Ø Only Luke recalls the Roman centurion saying right after
Jesus dies: “This man was innocent beyond
doubt.”
So Luke, in his account of Jesus’
suffering and dying, very intentionally reminds us of Jesus’ innocence. In emphasizing this, he shows how unfair, how
unjust this trial, scourging and crucifixion are.
And in the face of all this injustice, Jesus
responds positively.
Jesus’ Care
A second way that Luke differs from the
other gospel writers is his care of others in spite of the injustice shown him.
Ø At the Last Supper, Jesus shows his care for Peter by
praying that his faith won’t fail.
Ø Only Luke in the garden takes time to heal the ear of the
servant of the high priest.
Ø Only Luke shows Jesus’ concern for the women who are
weeping, advising them not to be concerned for him, but rather for themselves
and their children.
Ø Only Luke recalls Jesus, on the cross, asking the Father to “forgive them, [for] they [do not] know … what
[they are doing].”
And, of course, Luke shows Jesus
assuring the one criminal being crucified with him: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” What is important
about Luke’s portrayal of Jesus shows that nothing – injustice, suffering, and
even impending death – nothing gets in the way of Jesus’ caring for others.
Communion with God
Ultimately Luke wants us to realize that
we are called to be the same way and he shows us how this is possible.
It’s possible for Jesus because Jesus remains
in communion with the Father throughout the ordeal.
Ø Luke has Jesus on the Mount of Olives in prayerful communion.
Ø This communion with the Father continues to the very end
when Jesus prays, “Father, into your hands I
commend my spirit.”
Ø Luke is making the point that this inner, steady communion
with the Father is what enables Jesus to deal with all that happens.
Ø This is what enables him who is innocent to deal with such
injustice and suffering.
Ø This is what enables him not to become vengeful and violent,
but to remain caring, forgiving, and peaceful.
Ø Luke is calling us to the same inner communion with God.
Conclusion
Luke’s picture of Jesus helps us deal
with many of the injustices perpetrated against us.
It helps us to care for others in spite
of the pain those injustices create in us.
