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Lenten Season · Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: Mass · Year B

Mark 14:1–15:47 or Mark 15:1-39

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

March 21, 2027

Christ in Gethsemane, Heinrich Hofmann
Christ in Gethsemane, Heinrich Hofmann, 1886The Riverside Church, New York
One of the most reproduced religious images in America. Christ kneels against a rock in a shaft of light, hands clasped, with the sleeping disciples left out of the frame entirely.Mark's Passion begins in this garden, and Hofmann painted the hour alone rather than the arrest that ends it.Heinrich HofmannA German painter whose gentle New Testament scenes were reproduced so widely in America that they shaped a century of Sunday school imagery.The Riverside Church, New YorkA Rockefeller-funded interdenominational church in Morningside Heights, known for its pulpit and its carillon.The Riverside Church, New York
Roman Lectionary
GospelMark 14:1–15:47Mk 14:1–15:47 orMark 15:1-39Mk 15:1-39
Second ReadingPhil. 2:6-11Phil 2:6-11
First ReadingIsa. 50:4-7Is 50:4-7
Responsorial PsalmPs. 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 (2a)Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 (2a)

Overview & Insights

“Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36)

In the first part of the passion story (chaps. 11–12) the conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities grows more and more severe, culminating in the diatribe of 11:28–30. In the Olivet Discourse the implications of their refusal to follow God and accept his Son are detailed: the coming judgment is proclaimed in 11:12–21 and described in 13:3–23, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. There will be no more contact with the leaders until the trial; instead, the final events are initiated in 14:1–2, 10–11.

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Take it further: Mark 14:1–15:47 or Mark 15:1-39

Commentary

Commentary on Mark 14:1—15:47Commentary on Mk 14:1—15:47 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary RCL commentary on Mark's full Passion narrative for Sunday of the Passion (the RCL matches this Mass gospel).

Mark 15 – The Crucifixion and Death of JesusMk 15 – The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on the trial, crucifixion, and burial that climax the reading.

Mark 15 CommentaryMk 15 Commentary Precept Austin

An exhaustive anthology of linked commentary and word study on the crucifixion chapter.

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (Year B) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Dr. Brant Pitre reads Mark's Passion in its Jewish and liturgical setting (a Catholic scholarly voice).

Put Yourself in the Passion Narrative Word on Fire · Bishop Barron

Bishop Barron's homily on how the figures around Jesus react through Mark's Passion (Catholic).

Background & Word Study

Book of Mark Summary: A Complete Animated OverviewBook of Mk Summary: A Complete Animated Overview BibleProject

Animated walk-through of Mark's literary design and its rush toward the cross.

Mark 15:1 InterlinearMk 15:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek word-by-word of the trial and crucifixion opening for close study.

The Church Fathers

Catena: Mark 14Catena: Mk 14 Catena

Patristic and medieval comment chained to each verse of the Last Supper and arrest.

Sermons & Reflections

In the Name of Love: Palm Sunday Journey with Jesus

A literary lectionary essay tying Palm Sunday's triumph to the coming Passion.

Worship & Prayers

Palm/Passion Sunday, Year B — Liturgical Resources UMC Discipleship

Prayers, worship texts, and service ideas for moving from palms into the Passion.

Podcast

Bishop Barron: Put Yourself in the Passion Narrative Word on Fire

Bishop Barron preaches this Sunday’s Mass readings, including Mark 14:1–15:47 or Mark 15:1-39.

Art & Music

Liturgy of the Passion, Year B Vanderbilt

Curated fine-art images (the ILLUSTRATIONS link) for the Passion readings.

Study Hub

Mark 14:1 - 15:47 (The Text This Week)Mk 14:1 - 15:47 (The Text This Week) Textweek

Master index of lectionary study, art, and preaching links for the Passion of Mark.

Questions preachers ask

What is the Passion according to Mark?

Mark's Passion moves swiftly from the anointing at Bethany and the supper through the agony in Gethsemane, the denial, and the crucifixion, where a centurion names Jesus the Son of God.

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