St. John of Capistrano, Confessor

In the context of Jesus’ Passion, the Gospels reveal a complex relationship between him and the religious authorities of Jerusalem. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were secret disciples, and there was also disagreement among the authorities, with some believing in Jesus, though imperfectly. Yet the Sanhedrin declared Jesus deserving of death and handed him over to the Romans, accusing him of political revolt; the chief priests also pressured Pilate to condemn him. The Church teaches that responsibility for Jesus’ trial cannot be assigned to the Jews of Jerusalem as a whole, much less to Jews of other times and places. At the same time, the Church remembers that sinners were the authors and ministers of the Redeemer’s sufferings, and it calls Christians to recognize their own grave responsibility rather than placing blame on others. For family devotion, this is an invitation to consider Christ’s mercy and to approach these events with humility.

In the mystery of salvation, Jesus’ violent death was not a mere coincidence but part of God’s plan, while those involved still acted freely rather than as passive players in a predetermined scenario. God’s eternal plan includes each person’s free response to his grace, and, for our salvation, he permitted the acts flowing from human blindness. Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering Servant and offering a universal redemption from slavery to sin. In loving solidarity with sinners, Jesus was given up for us so that we might be reconciled to God. For our family’s prayer and reflection, these passages invite us to remember God’s benevolent love: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and he suffered for every human person without exception.

The Church is called “catholic,” meaning universal, because Christ is present in her and she receives from him the fullness of the means of salvation. She is also catholic because Christ has sent her on mission to the whole human race (CCC 830-831). This universality is visible in local communities of the faithful, where the Gospel is preached and the Lord’s Supper is celebrated. Particular Churches are united in faith and sacraments with their bishops and are fully catholic through communion with the Church of Rome (CCC 832-834). The Church’s many disciplines, liturgical rites, and spiritual and theological traditions show a rich diversity that shines within her common unity (CCC 835). All people are called to the catholic unity of God’s People. Those who believe in Christ and are properly baptized, yet do not fully profess the Catholic faith or remain in full communion under the successor of Peter, are joined to the Catholic Church in a real though imperfect communion (CCC 836-838). As we reflect together, we can pray with gratitude for Christ’s presence in his Church, seek unity with fellow Christians, and remember the need to persevere in charity.