VIII - Jesus is Condemned to Death
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Pilate was eager to release Jesus, but the Jews shouted, “If you free this man you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who makes himself a king becomes Caesar’s rival.” Pilate heard what they were saying, then brought Jesus outside and took a seat on a judge’s bench at the place called the Stone Pavement – Gabbatha in Hebrew. It was the preparation day for the Passover, and the hour was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Look at your king!” At this they shouted, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him” Pilate exclaimed, “What! Shall I crucify your king?” the chief priests replied, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. (Jn 19:12-16)
Almighty God, Pilate was convinced of the innocence of Jesus and wanted to set him free. But bowing to the pressure of the crowd, he condemned Jesus to death and released Barabbas to them. Pilate was concerned not with justice but with public opinion. Forgive us Lord, when we bow to the pressures of others rather than follow the way of Jesus. Forgive us when we become more concerned with what people think of us than with what we know is right. Open our eyes and ears to the cries of those who suffer injustice because of our words, deeds or silence. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified and risen,
have mercy on us.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.