Reflection

 

(Reading from the Gospel of St. John)

 

 

     Pilate went down again and said to them: 

'Look I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him'

    Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and a purple rope.

     Pilate said to them: 'Here's the man'.

   When the chief priest and the people saw him they shout him: 'Crucify him, crucify him!'.

    Pilate said to them: 'Take him yourselves and crucify him, I find no case against him'.

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   'Ecce homo'  ('Here's the man') Now Jesus has reached the stage of an enmity.

       He has no name; 'the man'. 

   It's easier to act upon someone who's already depersonalized. Pilate's desire for agreement is going to force him to a corner. He tries to avoid responsibility by transferring responsibility to others; 'it's nothing to do with me' says Pilate.

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    But as I contemplate this scene, it has everything to do with me!

     Here's my hero, struggling on my behalf. A model of humanity who has been dehumanized. An embodiment to God's love is smoldered by hatred.

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Prayer:

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     Dearest Jesus, teach us to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give but not to count the cost, to fight and not to hit the wound, to labor and not to seek for any reward, except to know that we're doing your holy will. Amen.

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* From Stations of the Cross, Laudate