In the Passion Narrative in John’s Gospel, Jesus acts more like an observer of events than the subject of rejection and unjust condemnation.  Jesus’ dispassionate appearance is not, however, a sign of disinterest.  Rather, it is one of the ways that the Gospel author identifies Jesus’ Divine origins.   

As the One sent by God as Revealer and Redeemer, Jesus exercised Divine power by not being intimidated or frightened by the tragic events that unfolded at the end of his life.  He wasn’t exhibiting a form of merely human stoicism; he was exhibiting complete foreknowledge of what was about to happen.  In John’s Gospel, the crucifixion is fully present in Jesus’ life from the moment of his Incarnation. (Jn 1:11) 

Readers of the Gospel should not interpret Jesus’ seeming lack of concern about his impending death as a sign that he did not value his life; the contrary is true.  Jesus put the highest value on his life and ministry because these were integral to his Divine vocation as Redeemer.   

He put an equally unconditional value on his death.  He was unwilling to escape unjust suffering because he was fully aware of the saving effects his death would have for the world. 

It is important to note, however, that the saving effects of Jesus death are not applied automatically to one’s life.  God’s offer of salvation is universal in the sense that it is offered to all.  There remains the individual responsibility, however, to accept God’s offer and live a life commensurate with the Baptismal Covenant. 

In the absence of a life of theistic faith and Christian virtue, there is no reason to hope for salvation.  For this reason, Catholicism should be viewed as a lifelong endeavor to grow in one’s knowledge of God and one’s fidelity to Jesus’ teachings. 

I am aware that some Catholics view religious practice as a consumer activity that exists for the sole purpose of obtaining private benefits for oneself, but I find no evidence in the Scriptures and the Creeds to support this opinion.  Rather, the Scriptures and the Creeds describe the Catholic Faith as a lifelong, daily practice that leads to greater faith and virtue.   

Faithful religion, then, is a school for goodness in the same way that all instructional processes teach knowledge and form habits.  The golfers who participated in the most recent Masters’ Tournament were born with natural athletic talent, but they became professional athletes only as the result of training and developing their natural talent.  In a like manner, faithful religion provides the instruction and practice that develops one’s natural talent for knowing God and doing good.   

Jesus’ lack of worry about his impending death illustrates one of the principal consequences of faithful religious practice.  Jesus was not intimidated by the false accusations made against him; neither was he frightened by the possibility of an unjust death.  The great peace of mind he exhibited was not the result of denying reality; rather, it was the result of an unshakeable faith in God.   

The same peace of mind and the same faith in God exhibited by Jesus is offered to all people.  Wouldn’t it be nice not to feel threatened by the unpredictable nature of world events?  Wouldn’t it be even better not to worry about what awaits at the end of one’s life?  Wouldn’t it be comforting not to fret about the eternal fate of one’s family and friends? 

Jesus was unmoved by the chaotic events that led to his death.  Most people, when faced with the threat of crucifixion, would have begged Pontius Pilate for mercy; in contrast, Jesus responded that Pilate possessed no authority of his own. (Jn 19:11)  Those who share in Jesus’ total trust in God share also in the peace of mind he enjoyed as death approached. 

There are countless interpretations of Jesus’ death and an equal number of explanations of how his death redeems humanity.  The only adequate explanation of his death and our salvation is, however, what we read in the Scriptures.  Jesus’ unwavering faith brought him peace of mind in the worst imaginable circumstances; everyone who imitates his faith will imitate his serenity in the face of suffering and death.