The accusers sense this weakness in
Pilate and so do not yield. They
relentlessly call for death by
crucifixion. Pilate’s attempts at
half measures are of no avail. The
cruel punishment of scourging
inflicted upon the Accused is not
enough. When the Procurator brings
Jesus, scourged and crowned with
thorns, before the crowd, he seems
to be looking for words which he
thinks might soften the
intransigence of the mob.
Pointing to Jesus he says: Ecce homo! Behold the man!
But the answer comes back: “Crucify
him, crucify him!”
Pilate then tries to buy time: “Take
him yourselves and crucify him, for
I find no crime in him” (Jn 19:5-7).
He is increasingly convinced that
the Accused is innocent, but this is
not enough for him to decide in his
favour.
The accusers use their final
argument: “If you release this man,
you are no friend of Caesar;
everyone who makes himself a king
sets himself against Caesar” (Jn 19:12).
This is clearly a threat.
Recognizing the danger, Pilate
finally gives in and pronounces the
sentence. But not without the
contemptuous gesture of washing his
hands: “I am innocent of this ...
blood; see to it yourselves!” (Mt 27:24).
Thus was Jesus, the Son of the
living God, the Redeemer of the
world, condemned to death by
crucifixion.
Over the centuries the denial of
truth has spawned suffering and
death.
It is the innocent who pay the price
of human hypocrisy.
Half measures are never enough. Nor
is it enough to wash one’s hands.
Responsibility for the blood of the
just remains.
This is why Christ prayed so
fervently for his disciples in every
age:
Father, “sanctify them in the truth;
your word is truth” (Jn 17:17).
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, you accepted
an unjust judgment.
Grant to us and to all the men and
women of our time
the grace to remain faithful to the
truth.
Do not allow the weight of
responsibility
for the sufferings of the innocent
fall upon us and upon those who come
after us.
To you, O Jesus, just Judge,
be honour and glory for ever and
ever.
R. Amen.
All:
Our Father...
Stabat Mater:
At the Cross her station keeping
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last |
