Published in 1981 - Volume 1 in The Passion Series by Donald Senior CP
The Word of the cross, a living, breathing word which demands constant reinterpretation as life itself evolves and takes on new forms. This need for reinterpretation was particularly acute for the early Christians in Matthew’s time, a period marked by profound societal and cultural transitions.
For them, the Passion of Jesus was not merely a narrative of suffering from a distant past, but a potent point of identification, mirroring their own struggles and anxieties. They found solace and strength in the suffering of Christ, recognizing their own experiences reflected in his agonizing journey.
Similarly, we, the Christians of the twenty-first century, find ourselves navigating a world in a state of flux, an era both dying and being born. We too, like Matthew’s early Christians, experience a peculiar blend of suffering and hope, a duality that resonates deeply with the Passion narrative. The account of Jesus' suffering, as recorded by Matthew, holds special meaning for us, offering a framework for understanding our own struggles and a source of hope in the face of uncertainty. Just as the early Christians found meaning in the cross amidst their own societal upheaval, we too can find solace and guidance in the Passion narrative, recognizing the enduring relevance of Christ’s sacrifice in our own time of transition.
Donald Senior, CP, (1940-2022), served as editor of The Bible Today and was president emeritus of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he was also professor of New Testament studies. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Louvain in Belgium and was the author of numerous books and articles on the New Testament. IN the fall of 2001 he was appointed to the Pontifical Biblical Commission by Pope John Paul II and reappointed in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.
Published in 1981 - Volume 1 in The Passion Series by Donald Senior CP
The Word of the cross, a living, breathing word which demands constant reinterpretation as life itself evolves and takes on new forms. This need for reinterpretation was particularly acute for the early Christians in Matthew’s time, a period marked by profound societal and cultural transitions.
For them, the Passion of Jesus was not merely a narrative of suffering from a distant past, but a potent point of identification, mirroring their own struggles and anxieties. They found solace and strength in the suffering of Christ, recognizing their own experiences reflected in his agonizing journey.
Similarly, we, the Christians of the twenty-first century, find ourselves navigating a world in a state of flux, an era both dying and being born. We too, like Matthew’s early Christians, experience a peculiar blend of suffering and hope, a duality that resonates deeply with the Passion narrative. The account of Jesus' suffering, as recorded by Matthew, holds special meaning for us, offering a framework for understanding our own struggles and a source of hope in the face of uncertainty. Just as the early Christians found meaning in the cross amidst their own societal upheaval, we too can find solace and guidance in the Passion narrative, recognizing the enduring relevance of Christ’s sacrifice in our own time of transition.
Donald Senior, CP, (1940-2022), served as editor of The Bible Today and was president emeritus of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he was also professor of New Testament studies. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Louvain in Belgium and was the author of numerous books and articles on the New Testament. IN the fall of 2001 he was appointed to the Pontifical Biblical Commission by Pope John Paul II and reappointed in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.
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