Today's Gospel in Art - The Stations of the Cross - Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death.

Ecce Homo, by Antonio Ciseri © Museo Cantonale d'Arte, Lugano, Switzerland

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20th March 2021 - John 19:1- 5

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head.

They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they slapped him in the face.

Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, "Look, I am bringing him outto you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"

Reflection on the First Station Painting

Dear Friends,

We are now 14 days away from Good Friday. Hence, I would like to reflect on the stations of the cross and pray alongside an image, one station per day, in the lead up to Holy Week and Good Friday. I will mention the regular Gospel reading reference for the day at the end of my reflection. Thank you.

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death.

We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee

Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Jesus, You are standing there in Your red robe in front of Pilate and the crowds. We can't see Your face, nor Pilate's face. You must feel so alone as the crowds are there demanding Your death. Even people on the roof tops want to catch a glimpse of Your trial.

Nobody speaks up for You. I can see Pilate's wife on the right turning away from the scene. She knows You are a just man and she doesn't want her husband to do this to You. From where I stand, behind You, I can see her pain. She knows You didn't have a fair trial. The matter has been settled long ago: You must die!

Have I become a Pilate to you Jesus? Yes, often I have remained silent in public too when Truth is denied, ridiculed or rejected. I claim to be on the side of good, but here I am a sinner, an accomplice in your death.

Our Father, who art in heaven…

Hail Mary, full of grace…

Glory Be to the Father and to the Son…

Normal Gospel reading for this day: John 7:40-52

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/750
Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php