ACCOUNTS OF THE PASSION FROM SCRIPTURES

“Behold the Man!”
(St. John, xix. 5)

 

“O God my God, look upon me: why hast thou forsaken me?... He hoped in the Lord (say they), let him deliver him: let him save him, seeing he delighteth in him.… They have dug my hands and feet. They have numbered all my bones. And they have looked and stared upon me. They parted my garments amongst them; and upon my vesture they cast lots.”
(Ps, xxi)

 

“…and they shall look upon me, whom they have pierced.”
(Zach, xii. 10)

A Prophecy of the Passion of Christ – Isaias, Ch. liii.

(It is Isaias that instructs us upon the sufferings of the Man of Sorrows. So explicit is his description of our Lord's Passion, that the holy Fathers have called him the fifth Evangelist)

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? And he shall grow up as a tender plant before him, and as a root out of a thirsty ground: there is no beauty in him, nor comeliness: and we have seen him, and there was no sightliness, that we should be desirous of him: Despised, and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity: and his look was as it were hidden and despised, whereupon we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our infirmities, and carried our sorrows: and we have thought him as it were a leper, and as one struck by God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was offered because it was his own will, and he opened not his mouth: he shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer, and he shall not open his mouth. He was taken away from distress, and from judgment: who shall declare his generation? because he is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of my people have I struck him. And he shall give the ungodly for his burial, and the rich for his death: because he hath done no iniquity, neither was there deceit in his mouth. And the Lord was pleased to bruise him in infirmity: if he shall lay down his life for sin, he shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in his hand. Because his soul hath laboured, he shall see and be filled: by his knowledge shall this my just servant justify many, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I distribute to him very many, and he shall divide the spoils of the strong, because he hath delivered his soul unto death, and was reputed with the wicked: and he hath borne the sins of many, and hath prayed for the transgressors.

 

ACCOUNTS OF THE PASSION IN THE FOUR GOSPELS

(The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to the Four Evangelists. There is a praiseworthy practice to read the four Passion Gospels during the holy Lenten time as also at Mass during Holy Week while the priest is reading the Passion at the altar. For this reason these touching records of Our Lord's suffering are here appended. On Palm Sunday the Passion according to St Matthew is read; on Tuesday (in the Holy Week), according to St. Mark; on Wednesday, according to St. Luke; on Friday, according to St. John.)

 

1. The Passion according to the Gospel of St. Matthew.

(For Palm Sunday)

 

Chapter xxvi.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended all these words, He said to his disciples:

You know that after two days shall be the pasch, and the Son of man shall be delivered up to be crucified:

Then were gathered together the chief priests and ancients of the people into the court of the high-priest, who was called Caiphas:

And they consulted together, that by subtilty they might apprehend Jesus and put Him to death.

But they said: Not on the festival day, lest perhaps there should be a tumult among the people.

And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper,

There came to Him a woman having an alabaster box of precious ointment, and poured it on His head as He was at table.

And the disciples seeing it, had indignation, saying: To what purpose is this waste? For this might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

And Jesus knowing it said to them: Why do you trouble this woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon Me.

For the poor you have always with you: but Me you have not always.

For she in pouring this ointment upon My body, hath done it for My burial.

Amen I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done, shall be told for a memory of her.

Then went one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, to the chief priests,

And said to them: What will you give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? But they appointed him thirty pieces of silver.

And from thenceforth he sought opportunity to betray Him.

And on the first day of the Azymes, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Where wilt thou that we prepare for Thee to eat the pasch?

But Jesus said: Go ye into the city to a certain man, and say to him: The master saith, My time is near at hand, with thee I make the pasch with My disciples.

And the disciples did as Jesus appointed to them, and they prepared the pasch.

But when it was evening, he sat down with His twelve disciples.

And whilst they were eating, He said: Amen I say to you, that one of you is about to betray Me.

And they being very much troubled, began every one to say: Is it I, Lord?

But He answering, said: He that dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, he shall betray Me.

The Son of Man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man shall be betrayed: it were better for him, if that man had not been born.

And Judas that betrayed Him, answering, said: Is it I, Rabbi? He saith to him: Thou hast said it.

And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to His disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is My body.

And taking the chalice, He gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this.

For this is My blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.

And I say to you, I will not drink from henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it with you new in the kingdom of My Father.

And a hymn being said, they went out unto Mount Olivet.

Then Jesus saith to them: All you shall be scandalized in Me this night. For it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed.

But after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

And Peter answering, said to him: Although all shall be scandalized in Thee, I will never be scandalized.

Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, that in this night before the cock crow, thou wilt deny Me thrice.

Peter saith to Him: Yea, though I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee. And in like manner said all the disciples.

Then Jesus came with them into a country place called Gethsemani; and He said to His disciples: Sit you here, till I go yonder and pray.

And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grow sorrowful and to be sad.

Then He said to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death: stay you here, and watch with Me.

And going a little further. He fell upon His face, praying, and saying: My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me. Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.

And He cometh to His disciples, and findeth them asleep, and He saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with Me?

Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh weak.

Again the second time. He went and prayed, saying: My Father, if this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it. Thy will be done.

And He cometh again, and findeth them sleeping: for their eyes were heavy.

And leaving them, He went again: and He prayed the third time, saying the selfsame word.

Then He cometh to His disciples, and saith to them: Sleep ye now and take your rest; behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Rise let us go: behold he is at hand that will betray Me.

As He yet spoke, behold Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the people.

And he that betrayed Him, gave them a sign saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He, hold Him fast.

And forthwith coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, Rabbi. And he kissed Him.

And Jesus said to him: Friend, whereto art thou come? Then they came up, and laid hands on Jesus, and held Him.

And behold one of them that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his sword: and striking the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.

Then Jesus saith to him: Put up again thy sword into its place: for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Thinkest thou that I cannot ask My Father, and He will give Me presently more than twelve legions of angels?

How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done?

In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes: You are come out as it were to a robber with swords and clubs to apprehend Me. I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and you laid not hands on Me.

Now all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then the disciples all leaving Him, fled.

But they holding Jesus led Him to Caiphas the high priest, where the scribes and the ancients were assembled.

And Peter followed Him afar off, even to the court of the high priest. And going in, he sat with the servants, that he might see the end.

And the chief priest and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put Him to death:

And they found not, whereas many false witnesses had come in. And last of all there came two false witnesses:

And they said: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and after three days to rebuild it.

And the high priest rising up, said to Him: Answered Thou nothing to the things which these witness against Thee?

But Jesus held His peace. And the high priest said to Him: I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us if Thou be the Christ the Son of God.

Jesus saith to him: Thou had said it. Nevertheless I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Then the high priest rent His garments, saying: He hath blasphemed; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy:

What think you? But they answering, said: He is guilty of death,

Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him: and others struck His face with the palms of their hands,

Saying: Prophesy unto us, O Christ, who is he that struck Thee?

But Peter sat without in the court: and there came to him a servant maid, saying: Thou also was with Jesus the Galilean.

But he denied before them all, saying: I know not what thou sayest.

And as he went out of the gate, another maid saw him, and she saith to them that were there; This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.

And again he denied with an oath: I know not the man.

And after a little while they came that stood by, and said to Peter: Surely thou also art one of them; for even thy speech doth discover thee.

Then he began to curse and to swear that he knew not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus which He had said: Before the cock crow, thou wilt deny Me thrice. And going forth, he wept bitterly.

 

Chapter xxvii.

And when morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients of the people took counsel against Jesus, that they might put Him to death.

And they brought Him bound, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients.

Saying: I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is that to us? look thou to it.

And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and went and hanged himself with an halter.

But the chief priests having taken the pieces of silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the corbona, because it is the price of blood.

And after they had consulted together, they bought with them the potter’s field, to be a burying-place for strangers.

For this cause that field was called Haceldama, that is, the field of blood, even to this day.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel.

And they gave them unto the potter's field, as the Lord appointed to me.

And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, saying: Art Thou the king of the Jews? Jesus saith to him: Thou sayest it.

And when He was accused by the chief priests and ancients. He answered nothing.
Then Pilate saith to Him: Dost not Thou hear how great testimonies they allege against Thee?

And He answered him to never a word; so that the governor wondered exceedingly.

Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would.

And he had then a notorious prisoner, that was called Barabbas.

They therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: Whom will you that I release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ?

For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him.

And as he was sitting in the place of judgment, his wife sent to him saying: Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.

But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people, that they should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away.

And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said, Barabbas.

Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let Him be crucified.

The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath He done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let Him be crucified.

And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made; taking water washed his hands before the people saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it.

And the whole people answering, said: His blood be upon us and upon our children.

Then he released to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus delivered Him unto them to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor taking Jesus into the hall, gathered together unto Him the whole band;

And stripping Him, they put a scarlet cloak about Him.

And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the knee before Him, they mocked Him, saying: Hail, king of the Jews.

And spitting upon Him, they took the reed and struck His head.

And after they had mocked Him, they took off the cloak from Him, and put on Him His own garments, and led Him away to crucify Him.

And going out; they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon; him they forced to take up his Cross.

And they came to the place that is called Golgotha, which is, the place of Calvary.

And they gave Him wine to drink, mingled with gall. And when He had tasted He would not drink.

And after they had crucified Him, they divided His garments, casing lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: They divided my garments among them; and upon my vesture they cast lots.

And they sat and watched Him.

And they put over His head His cause written:

This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.

Then were crucified with Him two thieves: one on the right hand, and one on the left.

And they that passed by, blasphemed Him, wagging their heads,

And saying: Vah, Thou that destroyest the Temple of God, and in three days dost rebuild it; save Thy own self: if Thou be the Son of God, come down from the Cross.

In like manner also the chief priests, with the scribes and ancients, mocking, said:

He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the Cross, and we will believe Him.

He trusted in God; let Him now deliver Him if He will have Him; for He said: I am the Son of God.

And the selfsame thing the thieves also, that were crucified with Him, reproached Him with.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over the whole earth, until the ninth hour.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?

And some that stood there and heard, said: This man calleth Elias.

And immediately one of them running took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar; and put it on a reed, and gave Him to drink.

And the others said: Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to deliver Him.

And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

And behold the veil of the Temple was rent in two from the top even to the bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were rent.

And the graves were opened: and many bodies of the saints that had slept arose.

And coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, came into the holy city and appeared to many.

Now the centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake, and the things that were done, were sore afraid, saying: Indeed this was the Son of God.

And there were there many women afar off, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him.

Among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of Jesus.

He went to Pilate and asked the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered.

And Joseph taking the body, wrapped it up in a clean linen cloth.

And laid it in his own new monument, which he had hewed out in a rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the monument, and went his way.

And there was there Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre.

And the next day, which followed the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees came together to Pilate,

Saying: Sir, we have remembered, that that seducer said, while He was yet alive: After three days I will rise again,

Command therefore the sepulchre to be guarded until the third day: lest perhaps His disciples come and steal Him away, and say to the people: He is risen from the dead; and the last error shall be worse than the first.

Pilate saith to them: You have a guard: go, guard it as you know.

And they departing, made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting the guards.

 

 

2. The Passion according to the Gospel of St. Mark.

(For Tuesday in the Holy Week)

 

Chapter xiv.

Now the feast of the pasch, and of the Azymes was after two days; and the chief priest and the scribes sought how they might by some wile lay hold on Him, and kill Him.

But they said: Not on the festival day, lest there should be a tumult among the people.

And when He was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, and was at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard: and breaking the alabaster box, she poured it out upon His head.

Now there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said: Why was this waste of the ointment made?

For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

But Jesus said: Let her alone, why do you molest her? She hath wrought a good work upon Me.

For the poor you have always with you: and whensoever you will, you may do them good; but Me you have not always.

She hath done what she could: she is come beforehand to anoint My body for the burial.

Amen, I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done, shall be told for a memorial of her.

And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priest, to betray Him to them.

Who hearing it were glad; and they promised him they would give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.

Now on the first day of the unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the pasch, the disciples say to Him: Whither wilt Thou that we go, and prepare for Thee to eat the pasch?

And He sendeth two of His disciples, and saith to them: Go ye into the city; and there shall meet you a man carrying a pitcher of water, follow him;

And whithersoever he shall go in, say to the master of the house: The master saith: Where is My refectory, where I may eat the pasch with My disciples?

And he will shew you a large dining room furnished; and there prepare ye for us.

And His disciples went their way, and came into the city; and they found as He had told them, and they prepared the pasch.

And when evening was come. He cometh with the twelve.

And when they were at table eating, Jesus saith: Amen I say to you, one of you that eateth with Me shall betray Me.

But they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one: Is it I?

Who saith to them: One of the twelve, who dippeth with Me his hand in the dish:
And the Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of man shall be betrayed. It were better for him, if that man had not been born.

And whilst they were eating, Jesus took bread; and blessing, broke, and gave to them, and said: Take ye. This is My body.

And having taken the chalice, giving thanks, He gave it to them. And they all drank of it.

And He said to them: This is My blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many.

Amen I say to you, that I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I shall drink it new in the kingdom of God.

And when they had said an hymn, they went forth to the Mount of Olives.

And Jesus saith to them: You will all be scandalized in My regard this night; for it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be dispersed.

But after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

But Peter saith to Him: Although all shall be scandalized in Thee, yet not I.

And Jesus saith to him: Amen I say to thee, today, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.

But he spoke the more vehemently: Although I should die together with Thee, I will not deny Thee. And in like manner also said they all.

And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And He saith to His disciples: Sit you here, while I pray.

And He taketh Peter and James and John with Him; and He began to fear and to be heavy.

And He saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here, and watch.

And when He was gone forward a little, He fell flat on the ground; and He prayed, that if it might be, the hour might pass from Him.

And He saith: Abba, Father, all things are possible to Thee, remove this chalice from Me; but not what I will, but what Thou wilt.

And He cometh, and findeth them sleeping. And He saith to Peter: Simon, sleepest thou? couldst thou not watch one hour?

Watch ye, and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

And going away again. He prayed, saying the same words.

And when He returned. He found them again asleep, (for their eyes were heavy,) and they knew not what to answer Him.

And He cometh the third time and saith to them: Sleep ye now, and take your rest. It is enough: the hour is come: behold the Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Rise up, let us go. Behold, he that will betray Me is at hand.

And while He was yet speaking, cometh Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve: and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the ancients.

And he that betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is He, lay hold on Him, and lead Him away carefully.

And when He was come, immediately going up to Him, he saith: Hail, Rabbi; and he kissed Him.

But they laid hands on Him, and held Him.

And one of them that stood by, drawing a sword, struck a servant of the chief priest, and cut off his ear.

And Jesus answering, said to them: Are you come out as to a robber, with swords and staves to apprehend Me?

I was daily with you in the Temple teaching, and you did not lay hands on Me. But that the scriptures may be fulfilled.

Then His disciples leaving Him, all fled away.

And a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and they laid hold on him.

But he, casting off the linen cloth, fled from them naked.

And they brought Jesus to the high priest; and all the priests and the scribes and the ancients assembled together.

And Peter followed Him afar off, even into the court of the high priest; and he sat with the servants at the fire, and warmed himself.

And the chief priests and all the council sought for evidence against Jesus, that they might put Him to death, and found none.

For many bore false witness against Him, and their evidences were not agreeing

And some rising up, bore false witness against Him, saying: We heard Him say, I will destroy this Temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another not made with hands.

And their witness did not agree.

And the high priest rising up in the midst, asked Jesus, saying: Answerest thou nothing to the things that are laid to thy charge by these men?

But He held His peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, and said to Him: Art Thou the Christ the Son of the blessed God?

And Jesus said to him: I am. And you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God, and coming with the clouds of heaven.

Then the high priest rending his garments, saith: What need we any further witnesses?

You have heard the blasphemy. What think you? Who all condemned Him to be guilty of death.

And some began to spit on Him, and to cover His face, and to buffet Him, and to say unto Him: Prophesy: and the servants struck Him with the palms of their hands.

Now when Peter was in the court below, there cometh one of the maidservants of the high priest.

And when she had seen Peter warming himself, looking on him she saith: Thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

But he denied, saying: I neither know nor understand what thou sayest. And he went forth before the court; and the cock crew.

And again a maidservant seeing him, began to say to the standers by: This is one of them.

But he denied again. And after a while they that stood by said again to Peter: Surely thou art one of them; for thou art also a Galilean.

But he began to curse and to swear, saying; I know not this man of whom you speak.

And immediately the cock crew again. And Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said unto him: Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt thrice deny Me. And He began to weep.

 

Chapter xv.

And straightway in the morning the chief priests holding a consultation with the ancients and the scribes and the whole council, binding Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.

And Pilate asked Him: Art Thou the king of the Jews? But He answering, saith to him: Thou sayest it.

And the chief priests accused Him in many things.

And Pilate again asked Him, saying: Answerest Thou nothing? behold in how many things they accuse Thee.

But Jesus still answered nothing; so that Pilate wondered.

Now on the festival day he was wont to release unto them one of the prisoners, whomsoever they demanded.

And there was one called Barabbas, who was put in prison with some seditious men, who in the sedition had committed murder.

And when the multitude was come up, they began to desire that he would do as he had ever done unto them.

And Pilate answered them, and said: Will you that I release to you the king of the Jews?

For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Him up out of envy.

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas to them.

And Pilate again answering, saith to them: What will you then that I do to the king of the Jews?

But they again cried out: Crucify Him.

And Pilate saith to them: Why, what evil hath He done? But they cried out the more: Crucify Him.

And so Pilate being willing to satisfy the people, released to them Barabbas, and delivered up Jesus, when he had scourged Him, to be crucified.

And the soldiers led Him away into the court of the palace, and they called together the whole band:

And they clothed Him with purple, and platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon Him.

And they began to salute Him: Hail, king of the Jews.

And they struck His head with a reed: And they did spit on Him. And bowing their knees, they adored Him.

And after they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put His own garments on Him, and they led Him out to crucify Him.

And they forced one Simon, a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and of Rufus to take up His Cross.

And they bring Him into the place called Golgotha, which being interpreted is, The place of Calvary.

And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh; but He took it not.

And crucifying Him, they divided His garments, casing lots upon them, what every man should take.

And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.

And the inscription of His cause was written over: The King of the Jews.

And with Him they crucified two thieves, the one on His right hand, and the other on His left.

And the Scripture was fulfilled, which saith: And with the wicked He was reputed.

And they that passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads, and saying: Vah, Thou that destroyest the Temple of God, and in three days buildest it up again:

Save Thyself, coming down from the Cross.

In like manner also the chief priests mocking, said with the scribes one to another: He saved others; Himself He cannot save.

Let Christ the king of Israel come down now from the Cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with Him, reviled Him.

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole earth until the ninth hour.

And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?

And some of the standers by hearing, said: Behold He calleth Elias.

And one running and filling a sponge with vinegar, and putting it upon a reed, gave Him to drink, saying: Stay, let us see if Elias come to take Him down.

And Jesus having cried out with a loud voice, gave up the ghost.

And the veil of the Temple was rent in two, from the top to the bottom.

And the centurion who stood over against Him, seeing that crying out in this manner He had given up the ghost, said: Indeed this man was the Son of God.

And there were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joseph, and Salome:

Who also when he was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered to Him, and many other women that came up with Him to Jerusalem.

And when evening was now come, (because it was the Parasceve, that is, the day before the Sabbath),

Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counselor, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

But Pilate wondered that He should be already dead. And sending for the centurion, he asked him if He were already dead.

And when he had understood it by the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

And Joseph buying fine linen, and taking Him down, wrapped Him up in the fine linen, and laid Him in a sepulchre which was hewed out of a rock. And he rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre.

And Mary Magdalen and Mary the mother of Joseph, beheld where He was laid.

 

 

3. The Passion according to the Gospel of St. Luke.

(For Wednesday in the Holy Week)

 

Chapter xxii.

Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand.

And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Jesus to death: but they feared the people.

And Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, one of the twelve.

And he went, and discoursed with the chief priests and the magistrates, how he might betray Him to them.

And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

And he promised. And he sought opportunity to betray Him in the absence of the multitude.

And the day of the unleavened bread came, on which it was necessary that the pasch should be killed.

And He sent Peter and John, saying: Go, and prepare for us the pasch, that we may eat.

But they said: Where wilt Thou that we prepare?

And He said to them: Behold, as you go into the city, there shall meet you a man carrying a pitcher of water: follow him into the house where he entereth in.

And you shall say to the goodman of the house: The master saith to thee: Where is the guest chamber, where I may eat the pasch with My disciples?

And he will shew you a large dining room, furnished; and there prepare.

And they going, found as He had said to them, and made ready the pasch.

And when the hour was come. He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him.

And He said to them: With desire I have desired to eat this pasch with you, before I suffer.

For I say to you, that from this time I will not eat it, till it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

And having taken the chalice. He gave thanks, and said: Take, and divide it among you:

For I say to you, that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, till the kingdom of God come.

And taking bread. He gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is My body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of Me.

In like manner the chalice also, after He had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in My blood, which shall be shed for you.

But yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table.

And the Son of man indeed goeth, according to that which is determined: but yet, woe to that man by whom He shall be betrayed.

And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

And there was also a strife amongst them, which of them should seem to be the greater.

And He said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them, are called beneficent.

But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is the leader, as he that serveth.

For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth:

And you are they who have continued with Me in My temptations:

And I dispose to you, as My Father hath disposed to Me, a kingdom;

That you may eat and drink at My table, in My kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and thou being once converted, confirm thy brethren.

Who said to Him: Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death.

And He said: I say to thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till thou thrice deniest that thou knowest Me. And He said to them:

When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, did you want anything?

But they said: Nothing. Then said He unto them: But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a scrip; and he that hath not, let him sell his his coat, and buy a sword.

For I say to you, that this that is written must yet be fulfilled in Me: And with the wicked was He reckoned. For the things concerning Me have an end.

But they said: Lord, behold here are two swords. And He said to them: It is enough.

And going out, He went, according to His custom, to the Mount of Olives. And His disciples also followed Him.

And when He was come to the place, He said to them: pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

And He was withdrawn away from them a stone's cast; and kneeling down. He prayed,

Saying: Father, if Thou wilt, remove this chalice from Me: but yet not My will, but Thine be done.

And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in an agony. He prayed the longer.

And His sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground.

And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples. He found them sleeping for sorrow.

And He said to them: Why sleep you? arise, pray, lest you enter into temptation.

As He was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus, for to kiss Him.

And Jesus said to him: Judas, dost thou betray the Son of man with a kiss.

And they that were about Him, seeing what would follow, said to Him: Lord, shall we strike with the sword?

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

But Jesus answering, said: Suffer ye thus far. And when He had touched his ear, He healed him.

And Jesus said to the chief priests, and magistrates of the Temple, and the ancients, that were come unto Him: Are ye come out, as it were against a thief, with swords and clubs?

When I was daily with you in the Temple, you did not stretch forth your hands against Me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

And apprehending Him, they led Him to the high priest's house. But Peter followed afar off.

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them.

Whom when a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light, and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also was with Him.

But he denied Him, saying: Woman, I know Him not.

And after a little while, another seeing him, said:

Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not.

And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with Him; for he is also a Galilean.

And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And Immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.

And the Lord turning looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, as He had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.

And Peter going out, wept bitterly.

And the men that held Him, mocked Him, and struck Him.

And they blindfolded Him, and smote His face. And they asked Him, saying: Prophesy, who is it that struck Thee?

And blaspheming, many other things they said against Him.

And as soon as it was day, the ancients of the people, and the chief priests and scribes came together; and they brought Him into their council, saying: If Thou be the Christ, tell us.

And He saith to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe me.

And if I shall also ask you, you will not answer Me, nor let Me go.

But hereafter the Son of man shall be sitting on the right hand of the power of God.

Then said they all: Art Thou then the Son of God? Who said: You say that I am.

And they said: What need we any further testimony? For we ourselves have heard it from His own mouth.

 

Chapter xxiii.

And the whole multitude of them rising up, led Him to Pilate.

And they began to accuse him, saying: We have found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that He is Christ the king.

And Pilate asked Him, saying: Art Thou the king of the Jews? But He answering, said: Thou sayest it.

And Pilate said to the chief priest and to the multitudes: I find no cause in this man.

But they were more earnest, saying: He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.

But Pilate hearing Galilee, asked if the man were of Galilee?

And when he understood that He was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him away to Herod, who was also himself at Jerusalem, in those days.

And Herod seeing Jesus, was very glad; for he was desirous of a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things of Him; and he hoped to see some sign wrought by Him.

And he questioned Him in many words. But He answered him nothing.

And the chief priests and the scribes stood by, earnestly accusing Him.

And Herod with his army set Him at nought, and mocked Him, putting on Him a white garment, and sent Him back to Pilate.

And Herod and Pilate were made friends, that same day; for before they were enemies one to another.

And Pilate, calling together the chief priests, and the magistrates, and the people,

Said to them: You have presented unto me this man, as one that perverteth the people; and behold I, having examined Him before you, find no cause in this man, in those things wherein you accuse Him.

No, nor Herod neither. For I sent you to him, and behold, nothing worthy of death is done to Him.

I will chastise Him therefore, and release Him.

Now of necessity he was to release unto them one upon the feast day.

But the whole multitude together cried out, saying: Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

Who, for a certain sedition made in the city, and for a murder, was cast into prison.

And Pilate again spoke to them, desiring to release Jesus.

But they cried again, saying: Crucify Him, crucify Him.

And he said to them the third time: Why, what evil hath this man done? I find no cause of death in Him. I will chastise Him therefore, and let Him go.

But they were instant with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified; and their voices prevailed.

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

And he released unto them him who for murder and sedition, had been cast into prison, whom they had desired; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.

And as they led Him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country; and they laid the Cross on him to carry after Jesus.

And there followed Him a great multitude of people, and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him.

But Jesus turning to them, said: Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over Me; but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

For behold, the days shall come, wherein they will say: Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that have not borne, and the paps that have not given suck.

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: Fall upon us; and to the hills: Cover us.

For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other malefactors led with Him to be put to death.

And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. But they, dividing His garments, cast lots.

And the people stood beholding, and the rulers with them derided Him, saying: He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be Christ the elect of God.

And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, and offering Him vinegar.

And saying: If Thou be the king of the Jews save Thyself.

And there was also a superscription written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew: This is the King of the Jews.

And one of those robbers who were hanged, blasphemed Him, saying: If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us.

But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation.

And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done no evil.

And he said to Jesus: Lord remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy kingdom.

And Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with Me in paradise.

And it was almost the sixth hour; and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the Temple was rent in the midst.

And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said: Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. And saying this, He gave up the ghost.

Now the centurion, seeing what was done, glorified God, saying: Indeed this was a just man.

And all the multitude of them that were come together to that sight, and saw the things that were done, returned striking their breasts.

And all His acquaintance, and the women that had followed Him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

And behold there was a man named Joseph, who was a counselor, a good and a just man,

(The same had not consented to their counsel and doings;) of Arimathea, a city of Judea; who also himself looked for the kingdom of God.

This man went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

And taking Him down, he wrapped Him in fine linen, and laid Him in a sepulchre that was hewed in stone, wherein never yet any man had been laid.

And it was the day of the parasceve, and the sabbath drew on.

And the women that were come with Him from Galilee, following soon after, saw the sepulchre, and how His body was laid.

And returning, they prepared spices and ointments; and on the sabbath day they rested, according to the commandment.

 

 

4. The Passion according to the Gospel of St. John.

(For Good Friday)

 

Chapter xviii.

When Jesus had said these things, He went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where there was a garden, into which He entered with His disciples.

And Judas also, who betrayed Him, knew the place; because Jesus had often resorted thither together with His disciples.

Judas therefore having received a band of soldiers and servants from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said to them: Whom seek ye?

They answered Him: Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith to them: I am He. And Judas also, who betrayed Him, stood with them.

As soon therefore as He had said to them: I am He; they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Again therefore He asked them: Whom seek ye?

And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He. If therefore you seek Me, let these go their way,

That the word might be fulfilled which He said: Of them whom Thou hast given Me, I have not lost any one.

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And the name of the servant was Malchus.

Jesus therefore said to Peter: Put up thy sword into the scabbard. The chalice which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?

Then the band and the tribune, and the servants of the Jews, took Jesus, and bound Him:

And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiphas who was the high priest of that year.

Now Caiphas was he who had given the counsel to the Jews: That it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. And that disciple was known to the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the high priest.

But Peter stood at the door without. The other disciple therefore, who was known to the high priest, went out, and spoke to the portress, and brought in Peter.

The maid therefore that was portress, saith to Peter: Art not thou also one of this Man's disciples? He saith: I am not.

Now the servants and ministers stood at a fire of coals, because it was cold, and warmed themselves. And with them was Peter also, landing, and warming himself.

The high priest therefore asked Jesus of His disciples, and of His doctrine.

Jesus answered him: I have spoken openly to the world: I have always taught in the synagogue, and in the Temple, whither all the Jews resort; and in secret I have spoken nothing.

Why askest thou Me? ask them who have heard what I have spoken unto them: behold they know what things I have said.

And when He had said these things, one of the servants landing by, gave Jesus a blow, saying: Answerest thou the high priest so?

Jesus answered him: If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strikest thou Me?

And Annas sent Him bound to Caiphas the high priest.

And Simon Peter was standing, and warming himself. They said therefore to him: Art not thou also one of His disciples? He denied it, and said: I am not.

One of the servants of the high priest (a kinsman to him whose ear Peter cut off) saith to him: Did not I see thee in the garden with Him?

Again therefore Peter denied; and immediately the cock crew.

Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor's hall. And it was morning; and they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the pasch.

Pilate therefore went out to them, and said: What accusation bring you against this man?

They answered, and said to him: If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up to thee.

Pilate therefore said to them: Take Him you, and judge Him according to your law. The Jews therefore said to him: It is not lawful for us to put any man to death;

That the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which He said, signifying what death He should die.

Pilate therefore went into the hall again, and called Jesus, and said to Him: Art thou the king of the Jews?

Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me?

Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered Thee up to me: what hast Thou done?

Jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, my servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now My kingdom is not from hence.

Pilate therefore said to Him: Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a king. For this was I born, and for this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth My voice.

Pilate saith to Him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews, and saith to them: I find no cause in Him.

But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the pasch: will you, therefore, that I release unto you the king of the Jews?

Then cried they all again, saying: Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

 

Chapter xix.

Then therefore, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged Him.

And the soldiers platting a crown of thorns, put it upon His head; and they put on Him a purple garment.

And they came to Him, and said: Hail, king of the Jews; and they gave Him blows.

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith to them: Behold, I bring Him forth unto you, that you may know that I find no cause in Him.

(Jesus therefore came forth, bearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment). And he saith to them: Behold the Man.

When the chief priests, therefore, and the servants, had seen Him, they cried out, saying: Crucify Him, crucify Him. Pilate saith to them: Take Him you, and crucify Him: for I find no cause in Him.

The Jews answered him: We have a law; and according to the law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.

When Pilate therefore had heard this saying, he feared the more.

And he entered into the hall again, and he said to Jesus: Whence art Thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.

Pilate therefore saith to Him: Speakest Thou not to me? knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and I have power to release Thee?

Jesus answered: Thou shouldst not have any power against Me, unless it were given thee from above. Therefore, he that hath delivered Me to thee, hath the greater sin.

And from henceforth Pilate sought to release Him. But the Jews cried out, saying: If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar's friend. For whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar.

Now when Pilate had heard these words, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat, in the place that is called Lithostrotos, and in Hebrew Gabbatha.

And it was the parasceve of the pasch, about the sixth hour, and he saith to the Jews: Behold your king.

But they cried out: Away with Him; away with Him; crucify Him. Pilate saith to them: Shall I crucify your king? The chief priests answered: We have no king but Caesar.

Then therefore he delivered Him to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led Him forth.

And bearing His own cross, He went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew Golgotha.

Where they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side, and Jesus in the midst.

And Pilate wrote a title also, and he put it upon the Cross. And the writing was: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.

This title therefore many of the Jews did read: because the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, in Greek, and in Latin.

Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: Write not The King of the Jews; but that He said, I am the King of the Jews.

Pilate answered: What I have written, I have written.

The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Him, took His garments, (and they made four parts, to every soldier a part,) and also His coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

They said then one to another: Let us not cut it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it shall be; that the scripture might be fulfilled, saying: They have parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture they have cast lots. And the soldiers indeed did these things.

Now there stood by the Cross of Jesus, His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen.

When Jesus therefore had seen His mother and the disciple standing whom He loved, He saith to His mother: Woman, behold thy son.

After that He saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour the disciple took her to his own.

Afterward, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said: I thirst.

Now there was a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His mouth.

Jesus therefore, when He had taken the vinegar, said: It is consummated. And bowing His head, He gave up the ghost.

Then the Jews, (because it was the parasceve,) that the bodies might not remain upon the Cross on the sabbath day, (for that was a great sabbath day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

The soldiers therefore came; and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with Him.

But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.

But one of the soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water.

And he that saw it, hath given testimony; and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true; that you also may believe.

For these things were done, that the scripture might be fulfilled: You shall not break a bone of Him.

And again another scripture saith: They shall look on him whom they pierced.

And after these things, Joseph of Arimathea (because he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews) besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate gave leave. He came therefore, and took away the body of Jesus.

And Nicodemus also came, (he who at the first came to Jesus by night,) bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

They took therefore the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

Now there was in the place where He was crucified, a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein no man yet had been laid.

There, therefore, because of the parasceve of the Jews, they laid Jesus, because the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

 

 

PRAYER FOR GOOD FRIDAY.

V. Christ became obedient for us unto death, even the death of the Cross.

Prayer.

Look down, we beseech Thee, O Lord, upon this Thy family, for which Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be delivered up to the hands of the wicked, and to undergo the torments of the Cross. Who liveth and reigneth, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.