Station 1: Christ is sentenced to death by Pilate
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When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people met in council to bring about the death of Jesus. They had him bound, and led him away to hand him over to Pilate, the governor. Matthew 27: 1 – 2 |
Reflection: Jesus is bound, his wrists tied with rough ropes. He is a prisoner. He is brought before Pilate, then scourged, and led before the crowd who scream “crucify him.” We contemplate him, the crown of thorns, the mockery of the royal purple cape slung over his bleeding shoulders and back, the haze of agony across his eyes.
Jesus is brought out in view of the mob of people who have gathered in the courtyard. Some are there out of hatred, some out of curiosity, some out of love and compassion. He stands there before them all. This is, as one author has suggested, “the first communion of the human race.”
I remember the times I have received terrible, devastating messages, announcements or revelations; I recall the immediate sense of confusion, concern and panic. Is this really true? What will happen now? How much hurt will there be? Can I get through this? What will I do? How will I handle this? How long will this go on? I am stunned and wonder if life will ever be the same again.
Prayer: Kind and caring God, my once secure life now holds tremendous change. Come into my turmoil and quiet my anxiety. Be there with the gifts of your peace and guidance. Let me not be overwhelmed with fear of the unknown. Grant me the ability to face what awaits me. Take my hand and assure me that you will always be with me, no matter what the future holds.
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. AMEN.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.
Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us.
Jesus is brought out in view of the mob of people who have gathered in the courtyard. Some are there out of hatred, some out of curiosity, some out of love and compassion. He stands there before them all. This is, as one author has suggested, “the first communion of the human race.”
I remember the times I have received terrible, devastating messages, announcements or revelations; I recall the immediate sense of confusion, concern and panic. Is this really true? What will happen now? How much hurt will there be? Can I get through this? What will I do? How will I handle this? How long will this go on? I am stunned and wonder if life will ever be the same again.
Prayer: Kind and caring God, my once secure life now holds tremendous change. Come into my turmoil and quiet my anxiety. Be there with the gifts of your peace and guidance. Let me not be overwhelmed with fear of the unknown. Grant me the ability to face what awaits me. Take my hand and assure me that you will always be with me, no matter what the future holds.
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. AMEN.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.
Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us.
Photo used under Creative Commons from ethnosax
