Home 9 The Passion of Christ

The mystery of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

St. Paul of the Cross, the 18th century founder of the Passionists, saw the world falling into “a forgetfulness of the passion of Jesus.” We shouldn’t forget it.

The objective of this section is to offer you a “taste” of the mystery of the Passion of Christ in hope that you will seek deeper meaning and enlightenment.

The Passion

For our sake he was
crucified under Pontius Pilate
he suffered death
and was buried
and rose again on
the third day
in accordance with
the Scriptures.

The mystery of Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection is expressed in simple words in the early creeds. It appears also in the four gospels and other writings of the New Testament, which treat it with similar restraint. It’s a mystery beyond our understanding.

This mystery has inspired Christian prayer and meditation through the centuries. It’s at the heart of Christian spirituality, liturgy, devotions, popular piety, mysticism and art.

The aim of this section is to offer a taste of this mystery, only a taste. A psalm promises that tasting can lead further to seeing. “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”

You’ll find here a commentary on the gospel stories of the passion by Father Donald Senior, CP, as well as examples of devotions and insights into this mystery from generations of Christians.

St. Paul of the Cross, the 18th century founder of the Passionists, saw the world falling into “a forgetfulness of the passion of Jesus.” We shouldn’t forget it–over and over, we’re told to remember it.

For Our Sake

Commentary

A commentary on the gospels of the Passion by Donald Senior CP. The passion of Jesus is both a historical event rooted in the past and a living, dynamic memory that gives meaning to the present.

Witness

Besides the gospel stories, do other sources shed light on the events of Jesus' Passion? Jerusalem itself, where Jesus' Passion took place, is a likely place to look.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross is a popular devotion used by individuals or groups who wish through prayer and reflection to follow Jesus Christ on his way to Calvary.

Prayers

We pray as Jesus did. He prayed from the heart, yet Jesus used words and signs– sometimes even cries– to pray. Like him, we also use words and signs in prayer.

Recent Studies

Serious study about the historical background of Jesus of Nazareth as described in the Gospels and New Testament has amassed a formidable library of material for more than a century.

Resources

Reviews of pertinent Catholic authors publications and thesis. Not only will you learn about the writings and the author, but you will gain a third party perspective from review writer. We invite you to check back often as newly published works are continually being added.