The Way of the Cross: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin

Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin.

They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.” Luke 22: 66-71

The Way of the Cross: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested

Second Station: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. Mark 14: 43-46

The Way of the Cross: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”

He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”

When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:36-41

From Pakistan: Take this cup…

TAKE THIS CUP

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

On hearing the news of the violent assassination of Christian government minister, Shahbaz Bhatti, Maaria from Pakistan wrote these words in her “Secret Believers” blog…

Another man laid to rest, not like men who die for a better tomorrow or men who die for the restoration of a nation, or men who die for a noble cause. I am writing of a line of men and women who have entered Christ’s rest because they chose to believe in Him above the laws of the land and the laws of Islam. They chose to stand up for Christ…

Mr. Bhatti’s name has been added to that list. Continue reading “From Pakistan: Take this cup…” →

Mother’s U.S. Citizenship May Disqualify Egyptian Candidate – NYTimes.com

Anti-American Egyptian Candidate May Be Tripped Up by Mother’s U.S. Ties
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK | Published: April 4, 2012

Mr. Abu Ismail said his mother had obtained a green card granting her legal permanent residence, but not citizenship, and the incongruous image of an anti-American Islamist seemingly unaware of the details of his mother’s life in California is already delighting Egyptian liberals. And if Mr. Abu Ismail is forced to leave the race, American diplomats apprehensive about the possible repercussions of his victory may also be pleased. But in practical political terms his departure may help unite a fractured Islamist vote.

Mother’s U.S. Citizenship May Disqualify Egyptian Candidate – NYTimes.com.

CAIRO — An ultraconservative Islamist whose denunciations of American power have helped propel him to the front of Egypt’s presidential race appears to have been tripped up by his own American connections.

The mother of the candidate, Sheik Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, became an American citizen before she died, according to California public records and a Los Angeles voter registration Web site. That would disqualify Mr. Abu Ismail from running for president under current Egyptian law. And his exit would again scramble the race to become the first president since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, setting the template for Egypt’s future leadership. Continue reading “Mother’s U.S. Citizenship May Disqualify Egyptian Candidate – NYTimes.com” →