Isaiah 52:13—53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17,
25, John 18:1—19:42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/040210.shtml
ANSWERING THE HIGH PRIEST
"Is that the way to answer the high priest?" —John 18:22
In a scene dripping with irony, a temple guard spoke the above words to
Jesus and slapped His face, because Jesus had given a truthful response to
the Jewish high priest Annas (Jn 18:20-22). However, Jesus Himself is the
great High Priest (Heb 2:17; 4:15; 7:26; 8:1; 9:11). Both the guard and
Annas are guilty by their words and actions of mistreating Jesus, the true
High Priest. So are we. By our sins, we have abused and crucified Jesus,
the High Priest (Catechism, 598). "Is that the way to answer the High
Priest?" (Jn 18:22)
Jesus the High Priest stood battered and bleeding before the public. After
Jesus explained Himself in response to Pilate's questions, Pilate told the
soldiers to scourge the High Priest (Jn 19:1). The soldiers mocked and
slapped Him (Jn 19:3). "The chief priests and temple guards...shouted,
'Crucify Him! Crucify Him!' " (Jn 19:6) The Jews shouted, "Away with Him!
Crucify Him!" (Jn 19:15) "Is that the way to answer the High Priest?" (Jn
18:22)
Yet Jesus doesn't treat Annas, the guard, or any of us as our actions and
words deserve. Instead of punishing them or us, Jesus the High Priest
offered His life for us and died in our place.
This is the way to answer the High Priest. Praise Him. Thank Him.
Acknowledge His majesty and your sinfulness (Lk 18:13). Ask Him for
forgiveness and mercy. Beg Him for the Holy Spirit to help you carry your
daily cross as He did (Lk 9:23).
Prayer: Jesus, may I not treat Your gracious gift as pointless (Gal 2:21).
I repent of my sins, accept You as Lord, God, and Savior, and place my
life on Your altar as a living sacrifice to God (Rm 12:1).
Promise: "[Jesus] became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey
Him." —Heb 5:9
Praise: (none)
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from April
1, 2010 through May 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, October 9, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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