Luke 22:14

“When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!’ Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.”

Luke 23:13-25:

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.” Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.”

Luke 23:44-54

“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’ And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

In Luke 22:14-30, Jesus institutes the Eucharist during the Last Supper. This act is central to Catholic worship, symbolising Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant. The passage reflects Jesus’ desire to establish a lasting spiritual connection with his followers. The Eucharist is seen as a source of grace and unity among believers. Today, Catholics continue to celebrate the Eucharist as a reminder of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.

In Luke 23:13-25, Pilate’s struggle to release Jesus reflects the tension between justice and public pressure. Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus but ultimately succumbs to the crowd’s demands. This passage illustrates the complexities of leadership and moral decision-making. Today, it serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of yielding to unjust demands.

In Luke 23:44-54 the darkness over the land symbolises the cosmic significance of Jesus’ death. In ancient times, unusual natural phenomena were often seen as signs of divine intervention. The darkness could represent the world’s mourning or the gravity of the moment when Jesus, the Son of God, died. This interpretation aligns with the Gospel’s portrayal of Jesus’ death as a pivotal event in salvation history. The tearing of the temple curtain signifies the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new relationship between God and humanity. The curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence was believed to dwell, from the rest of the temple. Its tearing could symbolise that through Jesus’ death, all people now have direct access to God, breaking down previous barriers. Joseph of Arimathea’s actions highlight the courage and faith required to follow Jesus. As a member of the council, Joseph risked his reputation and possibly his safety by asking for Jesus’ body. His actions demonstrate the transformative impact of Jesus’ life and teachings on individuals, encouraging believers to act with integrity and compassion.

Today, these events can be seen as a call to recognise the profound impact of faith and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. For instance, in modern times, individuals who advocate for justice and truth, even when it is unpopular or risky, reflect the courage of Joseph of Arimathea. The account of Jesus’ crucifixion is considered one of the more historically reliable events in the Gospels, supported by multiple sources. However, the specific details, such as the darkness and the tearing of the curtain, may carry theological symbolism rather than being purely historical records.

Again I saw all the oppressions that are practiced under the sun. Look, the tears of the oppressed—with no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power—with no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead, who have already died, more fortunate than the living, who are still alive; but better than both is the one who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from one person’s envy of another. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. Fools fold their hands and consume their own flesh. Better is a handful with quiet than two handfuls with toil, and a chasing after wind. Again, I saw vanity under the sun: the case of solitary individuals, without sons or brothers; yet there is no end to all their toil, and their eyes are never satisfied with riches. “For whom am I toiling,” they ask, “and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king, who will no longer take advice. One can indeed come out of prison to reign, even though born poor in the kingdom. I saw all the living who, moving about under the sun, follow that youth who replaced the king.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Ecclesiastes 4 offers profound insights into human relationships and the nature of work. The passage emphasizes the importance of companionship over solitude. In ancient times, community and family were crucial for survival and support. The writer suggests that life is more rewarding and less burdensome when shared with others. This idea remains relevant today, as social connections are vital for emotional and mental well-being. A modern example could be the support networks people form in workplaces or communities, which help them navigate challenges. The writer observes that much of human effort is driven by envy, which ultimately leads to dissatisfaction. This reflects the wisdom literature’s theme of questioning the value of worldly pursuits. In today’s context, this can be seen in the relentless pursuit of material success, often at the expense of personal happiness and relationships. The passage highlights the strength found in unity, using the metaphor of a threefold cord. This could be interpreted as a call for collaboration and mutual support. In contemporary terms, this might relate to teamwork in professional settings, where diverse skills and perspectives lead to greater success.

Historically, Ecclesiastes was written during a time of reflection on life’s meaning, possibly during the post-exilic period when the Jewish community was re-establishing itself. The text’s philosophical nature suggests it was intended for an audience grappling with existential questions. Ecclesiastes is a work of wisdom literature, not a historical account. Its purpose is to convey philosophical and theological insights rather than historical events. Therefore, its “accuracy” lies in its timeless reflections on human nature and society.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than the sacrifice offered by fools, for they do not know how to keep from doing evil.
Never be rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be quick to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven, and you upon earth; therefore let your words be few.
For dreams come with many cares, and a fool’s voice with many words.
When you make a vow to God, do not delay fulfilling it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill what you vow.
It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it.
Do not let your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake; why should God be angry at your words and destroy the work of your hands?
With many dreams come vanities and a multitude of words; but fear God.
If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and right, do not be amazed at the matter; for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.
But all things considered, this is an advantage for a land: a king for a ploughed field.
The lover of money will not be satisfied with money; nor the lover of wealth, with gain. This also is vanity.
When goods increase, those who eat them increase; and what gain has their owner but to see them with his eyes?
Sweet is the sleep of labourers, whether they eat little or much; but the surfeit of the rich will not let them sleep.
There is a grievous ill that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owners to their hurt,
and those riches were lost in a bad venture; though they are parents of children, they have nothing in their hands.
As they came from their mother’s womb, so they shall go again, naked as they came; they shall take nothing for their toil, which they may carry away with their hands.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Ecclesiastes 5 offers profound insights into human behaviour and our relationship with God. The writer emphasises approaching God with reverence and humility. In ancient times, temple worship was central to religious life, and the author warns against thoughtless rituals. The advice to “let your words be few” suggests that sincere listening and reflection are more valuable than empty words or promises. Today, this can be seen in how we approach prayer and worship, valuing sincerity over quantity. The passage critiques the pursuit of wealth, highlighting its transient nature. The writer observes that wealth does not bring satisfaction and can lead to anxiety. This reflects the wisdom literature’s broader theme of vanity and the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits. In modern terms, this can be likened to the stress and dissatisfaction often associated with consumerism and the relentless pursuit of material success. The text acknowledges the presence of oppression and injustice, suggesting a hierarchy of accountability. This reflects the socio-political realities of the time, where power dynamics were complex. The writer encourages trust in divine justice, a theme that resonates today as we grapple with issues of inequality and systemic injustice.

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy upon humankind: those to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honour, so that they lack nothing of all that they desire, yet God does not enable them to enjoy these things, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous ill. If one has a hundred children and lives many years, but does not enjoy life’s good things, or has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. For it comes into vanity and goes into darkness, and in darkness its name is covered; moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything; yet it finds rest rather than he. Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy no good—do not all go to one place? All human toil is for the mouth, yet the appetite is not satisfied. For what advantage have the wise over fools? And what do the poor have who know how to conduct themselves before the living? Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire; this also is vanity and a chasing after wind. Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what human beings are; and they cannot contend with those who are stronger. The more words, the more vanity, so how is one the better? For who knows what is good for mortals while they live the few days of their vain life, which they pass like a shadow? For who can tell them what will be after them under the sun?

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Ecclesiastes 6 presents a sobering reflection on the futility of wealth and human desires. The writer, traditionally believed to be Solomon, highlights the futility of accumulating wealth without the ability to enjoy it. This reflects the ancient wisdom that true happiness does not come from material possessions but from the ability to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. In today’s context, this could be likened to someone who works tirelessly to amass wealth but neglects personal relationships and health, ultimately finding little joy in their riches. The passage suggests that human desires are insatiable, a theme that resonates with the modern consumer culture where people often seek fulfillment through material goods, only to find themselves wanting more. The writer’s message is timeless: true contentment comes from within, not from external possessions. The comparison to a stillborn child underscores the inevitability of death and the futility of a life lived without satisfaction. This stark imagery serves as a reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of finding meaning beyond material success. In contemporary terms, it encourages us to focus on what truly matters, such as relationships and personal growth.

Ecclesiastes was likely written during a time of prosperity in Israel, possibly during Solomon’s reign. The intended audience was the Israelites, who were encouraged to reflect on the deeper meaning of life beyond wealth and status. Today, this passage challenges us to consider what brings genuine fulfillment and to seek a balanced life. While Ecclesiastes is a philosophical reflection rather than a historical account, its themes are universally relevant and continue to offer profound insights into the human condition.