VI - Jesus is Brought Before Pilate

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  

Then the entire assembly rose and led Jesus before Pilate. They started his prosecution by saying, “we found this man subverting our nation, opposing the payment of taxes to Caesar, and calling himself the Messiah, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “That is your term.” Pilate reported to the chief priests and the crowds, “I do not find a case against this man.” But they insisted, “He stirs up the people by his teaching throughout the whole of Judea, from Galilee , where he began, to this very place.” (Lk 23:1-5

Father in heaven, because they feared the power of Jesus and wanted him destroyed, they took him to Pilate to be condemned to death. Innocent, Jesus stood silent, not even defending himself against their false testimony. The world stands in judgment of your ways, O Lord. The values of our society conflict with the values Jesus taught. Strengthen our resolve to follow you, O Lord, so that our lives may always give testimony to the faith we have in you. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus, crucified and risen, have mercy on us.