The Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ

by Alban Goodier

Archbishop Alban Goodier, S.J. fills in the many blanks in the historical narratives about the Passion of Jesus Christ with a riveting account based on history, culture and his own deep spiritual insights. He brings to life and unifies the many observations, emotions and subtle and not-so-subtle actions that revolve around the person of God the Son as he faces his most tragic and triumphant moment.

The author’s unique approach intersperses Scripture accounts with the commentary of an incisive narrator who sifts and judges from the span of hundreds of years. He draws from the obvious as well as the obscure, and finds supernatural meaning in the most mundane actions that surround the suffering Christ. In the hands of this writer, the Lord’s few words, accompanied by the author’s commentary, challenge contemporary believers as much as they did those who first followed in the footsteps of Christ and his apostles.

The author was born in 1869 in Lancashire, northern England and educated at the prominent Catholic college, Stonyhurst, which has been the source of many English Catholic politicians, intellectuals and business people. After a degree from the University of London, he was ordained a Jesuit in 1903. He served as archbishop of Bombay from 1919 to 1926 and returned to England to write and serve as a chaplain until his death in 1939.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1860

About the author

Archbishop Alban Goodier was ordained a priest of the Society of Jesus on September 20, 1903. In December 15, 1919 he was appointed Archbishop of Bombay, India, and ordained on December 22. He served as Archbishop until October 1, 1926.

He was also a well-respected writer who contributed many articles to the magazine The Messenger of the Sacred Heart and wrote over a dozen books.

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed and graphic consideration of the passion and death of Christ. The very depths of the passion plumbed and simplified.

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful that I was inspired to choose this book, unread in my library for decades, for my Lenten devotional reading. After the introduction, the book is broken up into eleven chapters containing a total of 37 sections. The book concludes with a harmony of the Passion narratives. I read one section a day starting on Ash Wednesday which took me, after breaking up the long Passion harmony section, right through the eve of Palm Sunday.

Fr. Goodier provides much food for thought as he slowly works through the details of the Passion. He often brings in prophecy, and more often Jesus' own words and deeds from His public ministry, to enlighten the reader into the deeper meaning of the various events that transpired in the Lord's last hours.

Spiritual reading and exegesis that brings to light new angles and perspectives is of particularly value. This volume (one of four in the series) is chock full of such insights, giving the reader much to ponder. One example is his extended take on Pilate's interaction with Jesus in which the author, more than any other writer I have come across, is sympathetic to the procurator in his dealings with this extraordinary situation thrust upon him, while ultimately conceding his weakness.

Highly recommended reading anytime of year, but particularly in this special time of preparation for the commemoration of the Paschal Mystery. I have already read the fourth volume, "The Risen Jesus." I look forward to diving into the two volume "The Public Life of our Lord Jesus Christ" later this year.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely beautiful! Once again Archbishop Goodier tells us the story of Our Lord's life in such a compelling way that you find yourself wondering how it will end though you know perfectly well. Truly this expresses Jesus' love for us so sublimely that you cannot help but grow in love for Him.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many books 5ere were times this was three stars, and times it was five stars . It took me a while to get used to his style of writing. However, there were many many insights and things to ponder. I will go back to this book for use in meditations..

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me awhile to read both because it’s dense and because I have a tendency to take longer to read books I own. Anyway, this was an amazing look through the Passion. I loved Archbishop Goodier’s ability to imagine what every part was like and bring it more to life. Highly recommend.

[Pablo Galiana]

Comentarios a la Pasión y Muerte del Señor, basados frecuentemente en textos de San Agustín, Santa Catalina de Siena, y de algunos autores espirituales contemporáneos.

[Jenni Filipi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for Lent! I will most likely read this again next Lent.

[Meg Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE Lent read. There is no better account of the Passion out there and if you don’t cry at Father Alban’s exploration of the last supper and agony in the garden I’ll eat my hat.