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

Ecce Homo, painted by Mihály Munkácsy 1894 ©Déri Museum, Debrecen, Hungary

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 2 April 2022 - 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!"

Dear Friends,

We are now 14 days away from Good Friday. As we do each year on our website, I would like to reflect on one Station of the Cross, every day, in the lead up to Holy Week and Good Friday. We will reflect on one station, alongside an image and a personal reflection. We will also post the regular Gospel reading reference for the day. Thank you.

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

This is how it all begins, Jesus: you are sentenced to death like a common criminal, accused of crimes you did not commit. I can see you standing there, helpless, sad. The sins of all humanity are on your shoulders. You are looking upwards to Your Father. Pilate has condemned You. He is showing You off to the crowds. What a sight. You have been scourged, crowned with thorns and mocked.

I am there amongst the crowds on the left, shouting too. I am simply following what the people around me are doing. I dare not raise my voice over the other voices, to scream about the injustice that has taken place. The man standing underneath the arch intimidates me: I dare not protest against the words he is shouting.

There have been so many moments in my life where I have let you down, and I want to make it stop. That is actually what I want to shout: 'Stop!'… I can't bear the thought that you have to go to the cross over and over again… all for me…

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)

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/1131
Christian Art - www.christian.art