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March 28, 2015
Scripture readings for today: Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1–15:47
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”This line, spoken by Jesus on the cross, is an invitation for us to listen to the passion story we hear today through the prayer presented in Psalm 22. These words are the first line of that psalm.
As you read over Psalm 22, listen especially for three themes:
First, there is a statement of what is unfolding at the crucifixion: “all who see me mock me” (v. 8), “they have pierced my hands and my feet” (v. 17), and “for my clothing they cast lots” (v. 19).
Second, there is a statement of total trust in God the Father, even in the midst of misery: God “did not turn away from me but heard me when I cried out” (v. 25).
Third, there is a statement about why these events are unfolding, so that “All the ends of the earth will worship and turn to God” (v. 28) and “the generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought” (v. 32).
Today let the passion story unfold through the words of Psalm 22.
Father John Kingsbury, C.Ss.R.
Washington, D.C.