Gospel Summary
The Passion reading in Mark's gospel is the shortest of all gospel accounts and is known for its swift impact and drama. It begins with an unnamed woman pouring expensive perfume on Jesus' head and continues through the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples praying in Gethsemane, the arrest of Jesus, his trial, crucifixion, death and burial. Of course the disciples scattered and made no claim to Jesus. He was left alone to die a degrading death. Some women stood and watched at a distance and a Jewish man, Joseph of Arimathea, gave him a tomb.

Reflection for Families
It's human nature, even the nature of our own children, to cry out when an injustice has taken place. "I didn't do it," or "It's not my fault," are phrases that wear us thin dealing with infractions in our children's lives day after day. But don't we marvel at how much Jesus suffered without a word. He didn't argue with Pilate. He didn't even express sadness at the desertion of his disciples. In fact, he knew that Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him. Like Jesus, we hope for the best of strength and courage from our children, but things will happen in their lives where they fail. The most important lesson we can learn from Jesus is that of the unconditional love he had for his disciples. Even after they denied and deserted him, he still came to them in love and reconciliation.

Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Throughout the Passion of Jesus, we see much suffering and disappointment. People accuse Jesus, desert him, betray him and in the end, execute him. There is very little joy in this long account of Jesus' final days on this earth. But as Jesus promised, there was joy and that is truly good news for us. Where are the places in this world, in our community, or even in your family where all you can see is unhappiness and gloom. Take another look at these situations and see where is the hand of God, the Good News, the hope. Look hard and help one another find the joy. Share what you see.