MATTHEW 26:01-05
THE CONSPIRACY AGAINST JESUS
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Matthew 26:1–5
1 When Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,
2 “You know that in two days’ time it will be Passover, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus by some trick and kill him.
5 But they said, “Not during the festival, that there may not be a riot among the people.”
Historical and Jewish Context
The Passover was one of the most sacred Jewish feasts, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Thousands of pilgrims from across the region came to Jerusalem to celebrate it. Against this background of national and religious fervor, Jesus foretells His Passion, revealing divine awareness of the suffering to come. While the people prepared for the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, the true Lamb of God was preparing for His own sacrificial death for humanity’s redemption. Caiaphas, the high priest, along with the elders, represents the religious authority of Israel that had turned to political calculation. Their plan to avoid arresting Jesus during the festival shows both fear of public reaction and blindness to God’s plan unfolding through these very events.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage marks the solemn transition from Jesus’ public ministry to His Passion. Theologically, it reveals the divine providence guiding salvation history. Jesus is not a helpless victim but the obedient Son fulfilling the Father’s will. His crucifixion coinciding with Passover underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy: the true Passover Lamb would be slain for the salvation of the world. The plotting of the religious leaders highlights human sin and resistance to divine truth, yet even their malice becomes the instrument of redemption. The Church sees in this moment the mystery of the Cross—where human rejection meets divine mercy.
Parallels in Scripture
Exodus 12:5–14: The institution of the Passover lamb, prefiguring Christ’s sacrifice.
John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
John 11:49–52: Caiaphas unknowingly prophesies that Jesus would die for the nation.
Philippians 2:8: “He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.”
Acts 2:23: “This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.”
Key Terms
Passover: The Jewish feast commemorating liberation from Egypt, now fulfilled in Christ’s death and resurrection.
Son of Man: Jesus’ messianic title from Daniel 7, expressing both His suffering and glory.
Caiaphas: The high priest from A.D. 18–36, instrumental in orchestrating Jesus’ condemnation.
Festival: The Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover week, symbolizing freedom and covenant renewal.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is read during Holy Week as a prelude to the Passion narrative. It prepares the faithful to meditate on Christ’s voluntary acceptance of suffering and the contrast between divine obedience and human treachery. The Church sees in this moment the beginning of the Paschal Mystery, which finds its fulfillment in the Eucharist and the Resurrection.
Conclusion
The conspiracy against Jesus exposes the depths of human sin and the heights of divine love. While the leaders plotted in secret, Christ prepared openly for His redemptive mission. The timing of His Passion at Passover reveals the unity of the Old and New Covenants—God’s saving plan culminating in the sacrifice of His Son. Evil schemes could not thwart divine purpose; rather, they became the very means by which salvation entered the world.
Reflection
When confronted with God’s truth, do I respond with openness or resistance? The leaders feared losing power, while Jesus freely surrendered His life. True faith trusts in God’s will, even when it leads to the cross, knowing that beyond suffering lies resurrection.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as You faced betrayal and conspiracy, You remained steadfast in obedience to the Father’s will. Strengthen me to trust Your plan in times of trial. May Your sacrifice at Passover free me from sin and lead me to share in the joy of eternal redemption. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 26:1–5 marks the solemn transition from Jesus’ public ministry to His Passion. After concluding His final discourse on the Mount of Olives, where He spoke of the end times and the need for vigilance, Jesus turns His attention to the fulfillment of His mission. With divine calmness, He foretells His own suffering: “You know that in two days the Passover will begin, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” These words reveal His full awareness and willing acceptance of what lies ahead. Unlike the unsuspecting disciples or the scheming leaders, Jesus is in complete control—He freely offers Himself as the true Paschal Lamb. The timing of His passion during the Passover is no coincidence; it signifies the new covenant that will replace the old, as His blood becomes the means of eternal redemption.
Meanwhile, the scene shifts dramatically from divine purpose to human plotting. The chief priests and elders gather secretly in the palace of the high priest Caiaphas to conspire against Jesus. Their goal is not justice but convenience—to kill Him quietly and avoid unrest among the people. Thus, while heaven prepares for salvation, earth prepares for betrayal. The contrast between Jesus’ serene submission and their fearful deception reveals the heart of the Passion narrative: the world’s rejection of perfect love. Matthew sets the stage for the events that will follow—the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion—reminding the reader that even in the midst of human evil, God’s plan of mercy advances unshaken.
Matthew 26:1 “When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples,”
This verse marks a decisive turning point in the Gospel of Matthew. The phrase “when Jesus had finished all these words” signals the conclusion of His final public discourse and the beginning of His Passion narrative. It forms a bridge between His teachings on the end times (Matthew 24–25) and the events leading to His crucifixion. Throughout the Gospel, Matthew uses similar phrases to close major sections of Jesus’ teaching (cf. Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1), but here it carries a profound finality—Jesus has completed His mission of proclaiming the Kingdom through word; now He will fulfill it through sacrifice. His public ministry of preaching gives way to the silent sermon of the cross. Addressing His disciples, He prepares them not only for the events of His Passion but also for their own participation in His mission after His resurrection.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish culture, the number five symbolized completeness, reflecting the five books of the Torah. Matthew structures his Gospel around five major discourses of Jesus, presenting Him as the new and greater Moses who brings the definitive revelation of God. The phrase “when Jesus had finished all these words” indicates the culmination of this new law of grace. As Moses concluded his teaching before entering the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31–34), Jesus now finishes His teaching before entering Jerusalem to complete the new covenant through His blood. To His disciples—who still did not fully grasp the coming suffering—these words signaled a solemn preparation. The Teacher was turning from instruction to fulfillment, from the mountain of teaching to the hill of Calvary.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse emphasizes the unity between word and action in Christ’s redemptive mission. What He taught in truth, He will now demonstrate in love. The Catechism states: “Christ’s whole life is a mystery of redemption” (CCC 517). His Passion is not separate from His preaching but its living embodiment. Having completed the revelation of divine truth, Jesus now inaugurates the work of salvation through His obedience unto death. This moment also reveals the transition from the Old Covenant, centered on law and prophecy, to the New Covenant, centered on grace and sacrifice. The disciples’ attentive presence mirrors the Church’s role: to listen to the Word, to understand its fulfillment in the Cross, and to continue proclaiming it to the world.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse sets the tone for Holy Week, especially during Passion Sunday and the Triduum, when the Church shifts from hearing Jesus’ teachings to reliving His sacrifice. The liturgical movement mirrors Matthew’s structure—first, hearing the Gospel proclaimed; then, witnessing its fulfillment in the Eucharistic celebration of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. Every Mass, in this sense, re-enacts this transition: we first “hear all these words,” and then we participate in the offering of Christ’s Body and Blood.
Conclusion
Matthew 26:1 marks the sacred threshold between teaching and redemption. The divine Word, now fully spoken, turns toward the Word-made-Flesh offering Himself for humanity’s salvation. Jesus’ ministry reaches its completion not in more instruction but in perfect obedience to the Father’s will. What began on the mount of beatitudes will now be sealed on the mount of Calvary. This verse invites believers to move beyond hearing the Gospel to living it—to let the Word of Christ become flesh in every act of love, humility, and sacrifice.
Reflection
Do I allow the Word of God I hear to transform my life into faithful action?
Am I ready, like the disciples, to follow Jesus from learning to living the cross?
How can I unite my daily duties to Christ’s redemptive mission?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have spoken the words of eternal life and fulfilled them in Your saving Passion. Teach me to listen deeply, to live faithfully, and to follow You in love. May Your Word find completion in my life through acts of mercy, patience, and obedience. Lead me, as You led Your disciples, from understanding to faithful witness. Amen.
Matthew 26:2 “You know that in two days’ time it will be Passover, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
These solemn words mark the transition from Jesus’ public ministry to His Passion. For the first time, He reveals to His disciples not only the time but also the manner of His suffering. The mention of Passover is deeply significant—it connects His approaching death to Israel’s greatest feast of deliverance. While the nation prepares to commemorate the lamb whose blood spared their ancestors, the true Lamb of God prepares to offer Himself for the salvation of the world. “The Son of Man will be handed over” expresses both divine plan and human betrayal—He freely embraces what others conspire to impose. Jesus speaks not as a victim of circumstance but as the Redeemer fulfilling prophecy. His words reveal both the certainty of suffering and the sovereignty of love that transforms the cross into redemption.
Historical and Jewish Context
Passover was the central festival of Jewish faith, recalling Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). Families gathered in Jerusalem to sacrifice lambs in the Temple and share the Passover meal in thanksgiving for God’s saving power. By declaring that He would be “handed over” at Passover, Jesus identifies Himself as the new Paschal Lamb, whose sacrifice brings not temporary but eternal liberation. The phrase “handed over” (paradidosthai) was often used in legal and covenantal language, meaning betrayal and transfer of authority. In Jewish ears, it echoed the prophetic tone of Isaiah’s Suffering Servant: “He was handed over for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:6). The timing—two days before the feast—shows Jesus’ full awareness of the divine timetable; He walks willingly into suffering as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse unveils the mystery of divine providence and sacrificial love at the heart of the Paschal Mystery. The Passover lamb prefigured Christ, whose blood would deliver humanity from the slavery of sin. The Catechism affirms: “By celebrating the Last Supper with His apostles in the course of the Passover meal, Jesus gave the Jewish Passover its definitive meaning” (CCC 1334). The phrase “the Son of Man will be handed over” signifies that Jesus’ Passion is not an accident of history but a conscious offering of love: He becomes both Priest and Victim. Through this, the new covenant in His Blood replaces the old, transforming the feast of remembrance into the Eucharist of redemption. Thus, this verse anticipates both the tragedy of the Cross and the triumph of salvation—the divine exchange of death for life.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse finds its profound expression in Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. On Holy Thursday, the Church recalls the institution of the Eucharist, where Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, offers Himself under the signs of bread and wine. On Good Friday, the prophecy is fulfilled as He is “handed over” and crucified. Each Mass continues this mystery, as the faithful proclaim: “When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim Your Death, O Lord, until You come again.” Thus, the verse becomes not just a historical statement but a perpetual reality—the mystery of salvation renewed daily on the altar.
Conclusion
Matthew 26:2 captures the divine paradox of love revealed in suffering. Jesus, fully aware of His impending death, faces it with serene authority. His Passion begins not in fear but in fidelity; not as the defeat of the innocent, but as the offering of the divine. The cross is not an interruption of His mission—it is its fulfillment. As the Passover Lamb, He turns betrayal into blessing, death into deliverance. This verse invites every believer to see in the crucified Christ the supreme act of love that liberates humanity and fulfills all of God’s promises.
Reflection
Do I recognize the cross not as tragedy but as triumph of love?
How do I respond to Christ who willingly gave Himself for me?
In what ways can I live the spirit of sacrifice and redemption that He revealed?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, true Lamb of God, You embraced the cross to save me from sin and death. As You faced Your Passion with love and obedience, teach me to accept my own trials with faith and peace. May Your sacrifice renew my heart, strengthen my love, and prepare me to share in Your resurrection. Amen.
Matthew 26:3 “Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.”
This verse shifts the Gospel narrative from Jesus’ intimate conversation with His disciples to the secret plotting of His enemies. As Jesus speaks of His coming Passion with serene foresight, His adversaries gather in stealth to bring it about. The contrast is striking: divine love prepares to offer itself in sacrifice, while human malice conspires to destroy it. The “chief priests and elders” represent the religious and civil leadership of Israel—the Sanhedrin—whose authority was meant to serve God’s covenant but had become corrupted by fear and pride. Their assembly in the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest, is not an act of justice but of political preservation. They gather to protect their power, unaware that their schemes will fulfill the very prophecy they seek to prevent. In this moment, history and salvation intersect—what begins as human conspiracy becomes the stage for divine redemption.
Historical and Jewish Context
The “chief priests” included members of the priestly aristocracy, mainly Sadducees, who oversaw Temple worship and held significant influence under Roman rule. The “elders” were leading laymen, often Pharisees, representing the moral and legal authority of Israel. Together they formed the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council. Caiaphas, who served as high priest from A.D. 18 to 36, was known for his political shrewdness and cooperation with the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. His residence—the high priest’s palace—served as both a judicial and political center. According to John 11:49–53, Caiaphas had already advised that “it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.” Unknowingly, he spoke a divine truth hidden beneath political calculation: the death of Christ would indeed save the people, not by force, but through love. Thus, even in their plotting, the leaders of Israel fulfill God’s salvific plan.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church reads this verse as a powerful example of divine providence triumphing through human sin. Though the priests and elders gather in deceit, they cannot thwart God’s purpose; they become unwitting instruments of salvation. As St. Augustine wrote, “God judged it better to bring good out of evil than not to permit evil at all.” Caiaphas represents the tragic irony of religion without faith—a priestly office severed from divine obedience. The Catechism explains that Jesus’ Passion “was not a result of chance… but entered freely into the plan of God’s love” (CCC 599). This verse also reveals the tension between earthly authority and heavenly mission. The leaders of the old covenant, instead of welcoming the Messiah, reject Him; yet their rejection becomes the doorway to the new covenant, sealed in Christ’s blood.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse is recalled during Holy Week, particularly in the liturgy of Palm Sunday and Good Friday. The Church contrasts the deceitful assembly of the priests with the pure offering of Christ, the eternal High Priest. In the Eucharist, the faithful witness the reversal of this scene—where human betrayal becomes divine communion. Every Mass recalls that what was plotted in secrecy for destruction was transformed by God into the open mystery of salvation.
Conclusion
Matthew 26:3 exposes the paradox of God’s providence—human sin becomes the very path of divine grace. While the powerful gather to preserve their authority, Jesus prepares to surrender His life in humility. The council of men plots in fear, but the Son of God acts in love. Their assembly in Caiaphas’s palace mirrors every human heart tempted to control God’s plan rather than obey it. Yet, in His mercy, God still works through human weakness to bring forth redemption. What was meant for evil, He turns to good, revealing that no conspiracy can silence the will of divine love.
Reflection
Do I ever resist God’s plan out of fear of losing control or comfort?
Am I willing to trust that even painful or unjust events can serve God’s greater purpose?
How can I respond to opposition with the same peace and obedience that Jesus showed?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, when Your enemies plotted against You, You faced their schemes with calm and love. Teach me to trust in Your providence when I face opposition or misunderstanding. Turn every trial into an instrument of grace, and let me never be part of any action that resists Your will. May Your wisdom prevail where human pride conspires, and may Your mercy transform every injustice into redemption. Amen.
Matthew 26:4 “And they consulted together to arrest Jesus by treachery and put Him to death.”
This verse reveals the dark climax of human rejection against divine love. The leaders of Israel, entrusted with guiding the people toward God, now conspire to destroy His Son. Their decision is not made in ignorance but in deliberate malice—an alliance of politics, pride, and fear. The phrase “consulted together” shows that this was a calculated plan, not a spontaneous reaction. They recognize Jesus’ authority and miracles but see Him as a threat to their power and influence. “By treachery” exposes their method—secret plotting and deceit rather than justice or truth. In their blindness, they seek to silence the Light of the world. Yet even here, the mystery of divine providence shines: what they intend for death, God will transform into the source of eternal life.
Historical and Jewish Context
The consultation of the chief priests and elders was an official meeting of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Under Roman occupation, the Sanhedrin could try religious cases but lacked the authority to carry out capital punishment without Roman approval. Therefore, their plan to “put Him to death” required not only religious condemnation but political manipulation. The expression “by treachery” (Greek: dolō) means deceit or trickery, indicating that they sought to avoid public outcry during the Passover festival, when crowds filled Jerusalem (cf. Matthew 26:5). This plotting fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 2:2—“The rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed.” The leaders’ fear of losing their position mirrors the story of Joseph’s brothers, who said, “Here comes the dreamer; let us kill him, and we shall see what becomes of his dreams” (Genesis 37:19–20). In rejecting Jesus, the Sanhedrin repeats the ancient sin of envy and pride that has resisted God’s messengers throughout salvation history.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church views this verse as a profound moment in the unfolding of the Paschal Mystery. While the leaders act in malice, they unwittingly participate in the divine plan of redemption. The Catechism teaches, “God permitted the acts that flowed from their blindness in order to accomplish His saving purpose” (CCC 600). Jesus’ death was not forced upon Him; He accepted it freely in obedience to the Father’s will. The treachery of men becomes the instrument of divine mercy. This verse also exposes the destructive power of sin when religion loses its heart—when those meant to serve God use faith as a tool of control. The “consultation to kill” stands as a warning to all ages: faith without love becomes deadly. True religion, as Christ revealed, is not in power or politics but in sacrificial love and truth.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse is remembered especially in the liturgies of Holy Week, where the Church meditates on the growing shadow of betrayal that surrounds Christ. The plotting of the priests contrasts sharply with the obedience of Jesus. In the Stations of the Cross and the Good Friday liturgy, the faithful recognize their own share in this treachery through sin, yet also their redemption through His mercy. Every Eucharist recalls this paradox: the betrayal that led to the Cross becomes the sacrifice that saves.
Conclusion
Matthew 26:4 exposes the darkness of sin in its most chilling form—humanity’s attempt to extinguish divine truth. The religious leaders’ deceit shows how power, jealousy, and fear can harden even hearts once devoted to God. Yet within this night of treachery shines the unbroken light of divine providence. Jesus’ death is not the triumph of evil but the triumph of love that absorbs evil’s full force and transforms it into salvation. God’s plan cannot be thwarted, even by betrayal; in Christ, every act of hate becomes the opportunity for grace.
Reflection
Have I ever opposed God’s will out of pride, fear, or self-interest?
Do I recognize how easily religion can be misused when detached from mercy and humility?
How can I respond to the mystery of the Cross with deeper gratitude and trust?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, betrayed and conspired against, You faced deceit with silence and love. Deliver me from the temptation to resist Your will or manipulate Your truth for my gain. Teach me to trust that even in the plots of evil, Your providence prevails. May Your cross transform my fear into faith and my selfishness into service. Amen.
Matthew 26:5 “But they said, ‘Not during the festival, that there may not be a riot among the people.’”
This verse reveals the hypocrisy and fear underlying the plot against Jesus. Having resolved to kill Him, the religious leaders now debate when to act—not out of reverence for the Passover, but to preserve their political safety. Their concern is not justice, but reputation. The Passover feast drew enormous crowds of pilgrims from across Judea and Galilee to Jerusalem, many of whom regarded Jesus as a prophet. The leaders feared that arresting Him publicly might spark an uprising. Thus, even as they plot murder, they attempt to do so in a way that avoids scandal. This verse exposes the duplicity of hearts hardened by pride—they cloak their sin under the guise of prudence. In contrast to Jesus’ openness in announcing His coming Passion, His enemies conspire in secrecy, proving that evil thrives in the dark while truth walks in the light.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Passover festival was the holiest time of the Jewish calendar, commemorating God’s deliverance from Egypt. Jerusalem would swell with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims offering sacrifices in the Temple and celebrating the sacred meal. Any disturbance during this time risked drawing the attention of the Roman governor, who increased military presence to prevent rebellion. The priests and elders feared that a public arrest might provoke the people, many of whom hailed Jesus as the Son of David (Matthew 21:9). Ironically, while they delayed their plan to avoid unrest, divine providence ensured that Jesus would die precisely during Passover—fulfilling His role as the true Paschal Lamb. Their fear-driven caution only served God’s timing. In seeking to avoid political unrest, they unwittingly became instruments of the ultimate act of redemption.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse demonstrates the contrast between human scheming and divine sovereignty. The leaders plan to act later, but God’s plan unfolds exactly according to His appointed hour. The Catechism teaches that “God’s plan of salvation was accomplished once for all by the redemptive death of His Son” (CCC 571). While the priests sought to control events to their advantage, Christ freely offered Himself in obedience to the Father. Their hypocrisy—avoiding scandal while plotting murder—illustrates the danger of a religion detached from charity and truth. St. John Chrysostom comments, “They feared the people, but they feared not God.” The same paradox persists today when outward piety masks inner corruption. God, however, uses even human deceit to accomplish His loving design—the Lamb of God will be slain not at random but at the very hour the Passover lambs are sacrificed, revealing the perfect fulfillment of Scripture.
Parallels in Scripture
Key Terms
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This verse echoes throughout Holy Week, especially in the readings preceding Palm Sunday and Good Friday. It highlights the tension between human timing and divine will. While the leaders sought to delay the Passion, the Church proclaims that “Christ our Passover has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7) at the very feast they wished to avoid. In the liturgy, the faithful recognize that God’s plan transcends human manipulation—His timing is perfect, His purpose unshakable. Every Eucharist renews that truth: what human sin intended for harm, divine love transforms into salvation.
Conclusion
Matthew 26:5 unites the themes of fear, hypocrisy, and providence. The priests and elders believed they could manage sin, contain scandal, and control outcomes. Yet in their cautious deceit, they fulfill the will of God. The verse exposes a timeless truth: when the human heart fears man more than God, it becomes capable of great evil. But divine providence turns even such sin into grace. Jesus’ Passion occurs not because His enemies’ plans succeed, but because His Father’s plan is perfect. The cross stands as the triumph of divine wisdom over human cunning, and of love over fear.
Reflection
Do I ever try to manipulate or delay God’s plan out of fear or self-interest?
Am I more concerned with appearances before others than with integrity before God?
How can I trust more deeply that God’s timing is always wiser than my own?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You faced the schemes of Your enemies with peace and obedience. Teach me to trust in Your providence when life feels uncertain or unjust. Deliver me from the hypocrisy of fearing others more than You, and give me the courage to walk in truth and faith. May Your will, not mine, be done—in Your time, and for Your glory. Amen.
CONCLUSION
The opening verses of Matthew 26 (vv. 1–5) mark a solemn transition from Jesus’ public ministry to the unfolding of His Passion. Here, divine foreknowledge meets human plotting: while Jesus serenely announces His coming suffering and death during the sacred feast of Passover, the religious leaders secretly conspire to destroy Him. The contrast between light and darkness, truth and deceit, could not be sharper. Jesus moves forward in obedience to the Father’s will, fully aware that the hour of salvation has come; His enemies act in fear and pride, seeking to protect their power even as they fulfill God’s plan. In this mystery, we see the harmony of divine providence and human freedom—where sin’s malice becomes the very instrument of redemption.
These verses remind believers that God’s plan is never thwarted, even by treachery or fear. The priests sought to avoid scandal, but God turned their deceit into the very means of universal deliverance. The timing of the Passion—during Passover—reveals that Christ’s death is not defeat but fulfillment. He is the true Paschal Lamb, whose blood delivers humanity from sin and death. Every Eucharist renews this mystery, transforming betrayal into blessing and the cross into victory. The faithful are called to stand with Christ, not in secrecy or fear, but in humble trust that God’s wisdom prevails even through the schemes of men.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You faced the plotting of Your enemies with peace and perfect trust in the Father’s plan. Help me to see Your hand at work even when evil seems to prevail. Strengthen my faith to follow You with courage, and teach me to offer my fears, betrayals, and sufferings as part of Your redemptive love. May I always find hope in Your cross and victory in Your resurrection. Amen.