April 10, Passion Sunday C (Luke 22:14-23:56)
We betray Jesus for far less than was offered to Judas.
Jesus wants to give us his kingdom. He is going to entrust it to his disciples, as he tells them the last time he reclines with them at the table. He has eagerly awaited the meal. He has taken a cup and blessed it, a loaf and broken it, another cup concluding the supper. He praises those who have stood by him in his trials; he confers on them the kingdom that he has received from the one he calls Father. They now have the power of spiritual discernment and judgment.
When we hear this narrative, do we think, these people? You’re conferring a kingdom on them? Do they really have the powers of spiritual discernment? Are they fit to judge our faith? As the story unfolds, we will find their faith wanting.
At the table, they argue about who is the greatest. Out on the Mount of Olives, they sleep while Jesus prays. Judas betrays him with a kiss, one of them draws a sword, and Jesus must say, “No more of this!” By the fire in the courtyard, Peter carries out the predicted denial—once, twice, three times—that he denied he would ever commit. We didn’t believe Peter’s proclamation of bravery earlier, and we don’t believe his bitter tears now.
