Fr. Landry: The Passion Continues

Excellent piece from Fr. Landry

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” Even though most were technically aware of every action they were undertaking, all were blind, Jesus reminded his Father, to the significance of what they were carrying out.

Such betrayals of Jesus have not ceased. Many continue to sell out Jesus for a payday. Others, including those closest to him, prefer sleep or comfort to prayer. Others stay mute or run away when he or his bride is attacked. And mobs — including those who are accustomed to shout “Hosanna!” when it’s easy, as many did on Palm Sunday and many still do at Mass — turn on him and elect Barabbas in disguise as many in authority wash their hands out of fear or self-interest.

As Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen wrote in his powerful meditation for the first station of the Way of the Cross, “Pilate asked the mob to choose between the two: ‘Whom do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus?’ How would I have answered that question had I been in the courtyard that Good Friday morning? I cannot escape answering by saying that the question belongs only to the past, for it is as actual now as ever. My conscience is the tribunal of Pilate. … As often as I choose to speak the uncharitable word, do the dishonest action, or consent to the evil thought, I say in so many words, ‘Release unto me Barabbas.’ And to choose Barabbas means to crucify Christ.”

I believe Fr. Landry is referring to women who will be scandalized by Fr. Jenkin's actions - but to be clear theologically about the application of Christ's intercession (Father, forgive them..), it doesn't apply to priests, Bishops and people who knew or should have known. Pilate, Annas, Ciaphas, Herod turned Christ over and gave orders. Christ's intercession was on behalf of the people carring out the orders in the culture and frenzy and under the dictatorship. Just a few short moments before being nailed to the Cross and crying out to His Father to forgive those carrying out the orders, Christ said--"You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." (John 19:11)

Christ's intercession, Father forgive them for they know not what they do, this applies to the children at the University and all watching who will be scandalized. It doesn't apply to Fr. Jenkins or any other priest or leader who hands Christ over to be crucified.