Homily by Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna
I would like to greet our English-speaking guests and others from different parts of the world. A short reflection on one of the phrases at the beginning of this solemn narrative of the Passion of our Lord. Those who went to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane wanted to arrest Him, and Jesus asks, “Whom do you seek?” (Jn 18:4), their answer is “Jesus of Nazareth” (Jn 18:5).
But the question posed by Jesus is also a question put to each and every one of us: “Whom do you seek?” What attracts you to Jesus? In the Gospel of John, Jesus is presented as the witness of truth. When Pilate asks Him, “So you are a king?” (Jn 18:37) Jesus responds, “I came into the world, to testify to the truth” (Jn 18:37).
May the Lord reveal the truth to us: the truth of mercy, the truth of love, the truth of compassion, the truth of tenderness, of righteousness, and may we accept Him as the witness to this truth. Jesus is also proclaimed the King of the Jews. Do we acknowledge His reign? Are we ready to submit to His reign of humility, service, and compassion?
And as we approach to adore the cross today, let us pray that He may be the witness to truth in our lives, that we may accept Him as our king: the king of love and compassion.
✠ Charles Jude Scicluna
Archbishop of Malta
Mass readings
Reading I: Is 52:13–53:12
Psalm: 31:2,6,12-13,15-16,17,25
Reading II: Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Gospel: Jn 18:1–19:42