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For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Dana's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and online-only content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

During Holy Week, it's common for worship leaders to ask people to consider their place in the drama of Jesus' final days. To what extent do we betray him, deny him, insult him, crucify him? When do we, like the crowds, find ourselves gawking at suffering with prurient glee? When do we, like the thieves, alternately ridicule the truth, then believe in it? When do we, like the centurion, make our confession--though perhaps a moment too late?