The Feast of the Passover

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twelveth  Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Luke 2:41-51*

*First Reading : Is 61:9-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : 1 Sm 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd*

*The Feast of the Passover*

*1) Historical Origin: God’s Saving Act*

Passover commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. 

God instructed the people through Moses to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood so the angel of death would *"pass over"* their homes during the tenth plague (death of the firstborn). 

This act of salvation becomes the cornerstone of Israel's identity as God's chosen people.

Passover reminds us that salvation is by grace through the blood of the lamb, a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice. 

God is a deliverer who acts on behalf of His people.

*2) Jerusalem as the Center of Worship*

By divine command, the Israelites were to celebrate Passover in the place the Lord chose for His name to dwell, which later became Jerusalem. 

This pilgrimage created a spiritual unity and collective memory of liberation.

Jerusalem becomes not just a geographic location, but a symbol of worship, covenant, and community. 

It represents the people gathering around God’s saving presence.

*3) Jesus and the Passover: Fulfillment in the New Covenant*

Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples at the Last Supper in Jerusalem. 

During that meal, He redefined the Passover by offering Himself as the true Lamb

Jesus fulfilled the Passover by becoming the Lamb of God (John 1:29). 

The exodus from Egypt is now transformed into a spiritual exodus from sin and death through the Cross. 

The Eucharist becomes the new Passover meal.

*4) The Passion Begins at Passover*

Jesus’ crucifixion in Jerusalem coincided with the Passover, emphasizing that His death was not accidental, but providential. 

While lambs were being sacrificed in the Temple, the Lamb of God was being sacrificed on the Cross.

The timing of Jesus' death during Passover reveals the unity of Scripture and salvation history. 

Christ's sacrifice fulfills the deepest meaning of the festival—freedom through blood, life through sacrifice.

*5) Ongoing Significance for Christians*

The Eucharist/Mass is the new and eternal Passover meal.

The Cross is our Exodus, from sin and slavery into new life.

Jerusalem becomes a symbol of the heavenly city toward which we journey (Revelation 21).

*6) Final Thought*

The Feast of Passover in Jerusalem is a powerful biblical event that:

Celebrates deliverance through blood (Exodus),

Is fulfilled in Jesus' sacrifice (Gospels),

And continues in the life of the Church (Eucharist and mission).

It invites us to remember, celebrate, and live the freedom we have in Christ, the true Paschal Lamb.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*