Pilate could see no reason to crucify Jesus. He tried everything he could think of. He offered Barabbas but the crowd wouldn't hear of it. His wife had sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with this righteous man. I have suffered much over him in a dream." (Mat. 27,19). He had to do something so as not to appear weak.
He washed his hands in front of the crowd saying, "I am innocent of this righteous man's blood, see to it yourselves!" (Mat. 27,24). He turned Jesus over to his soldiers to be crucified.
Prayer
Lord, give me the grace to choose humiliation to pretentiousness. Give me the strength to choose poverty rather than greed. Give me the courage to suffer pain rather than to hurt others.
Grant me the grace that I may see it is You whom I obey in all who govern me.
Mary, my Mother, you were the first to live the way of the cross. Obtain for me the grace to understand the mystery, wisdom and love of the cross. Teach me the lessons it contains. Grant for me the grace to see Your Son in all.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son suffered and then was crucified, mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Holy Mighty One,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy on us.
III
