Every year in Holy Week we hear two lengthy accounts of Jesus’ passion. On Palm Sunday one of the first three Gospel narratives is proclaimed. On Good Friday we always hear the passion according St. John. It contrasts strongly with the versions read on Palm Sunday. Each story in what we call the synoptic Gospels – called synoptic because they are so similar – differs from what we have heard today in St. John. This year we listened to St. Luke’s tale, but it is St. Mark’s, probably the first to be written down, which differs most strikingly of all from St. John.
St. Mark’s terrible cry of desertion is not recalled by St. John. Instead, Jesus’ last words are: “It is accomplished.†He has come to His fulfillment. All through the fourth Gospel John has included mention of Jesus’ “hourâ€, when He would be glorified, when His task would be complete. Now is the hour for fulfilling His earthly task: our salvation. He reigns from the cross.
As we leave the church in silence this afternoon, we can leave with our minds and hearts focused on the triumph of the cross and remind ourselves that we are called to share with Christ in God’s glory.