Pilate interrogates Jesus about being King of the Jews while accusations fly and Jesus remains silent.
The episode begins with a reading of the Passion narrative from the Gospel of Matthew, starting with Jesus being brought before Pontius Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews, but Jesus remains largely silent amid accusations from religious authorities. The crowd is given a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas, and they choose Barabbas while demanding Jesus's crucifixion. Pilate washes his hands to symbolize his innocence, but the crowd accepts responsibility for Jesus's blood. Jesus is mocked, crowned with thorns, and led to crucifixion at Golgotha. He is crucified between two thieves while being insulted by passersby and religious leaders. Jesus cries out "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" before dying, and supernatural events occur including an earthquake and the temple veil tearing. A centurion declares Jesus truly the Son of God. Joseph of Arimathea requests Jesus's body and places it in a tomb, which is then sealed and guarded. Father José María's reflection follows, noting this is for Palm Sunday. He argues the Passion reading is often devalued when treated as merely a 2,000-year-old event, reduced to sentimental piety, or viewed only as social critique of oppression. He emphasizes the need for a realistic reading that recognizes the extreme conflict between Jesus and religious/political authorities. This realistic reading reveals contemporary parallels like irrational violence, manipulation of masses, and the apparent victory of the powerful over the innocent. He also advocates for a theological reading that perceives God's saving presence within this violent reality, illuminated by faith in Jesus as Messiah who bears human crimes. Finally, he advises listeners not to approach the Passion as just a sacred story but to delve into each character's actions, motives, looks, gestures, words, and silences. This engagement helps recognize that the road to Easter is nearing completion as Holy Week begins. The episode concludes with a blessing from Almighty God.
