The Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged

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

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.  (Mark 15: 1-5, 15)

Reflection

In 2020, there were 2528 individuals on death row awaiting execution. We know that the death penalty does not make our communities safer by deterring crime. Studies also show how disproportionately the death sentence is applied to the poor and marginalized, especially people of color. We have seen many people on death row found innocent and released, which means we have likely executed innocent people. In calling for the death penalty, we are crying out “Crucify him!” just as the chief priests, elders, scribes, and council did to Jesus. (Resource: https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/death-row/overview/size-of-death-row-by-year)

What can we do as followers of Christ? Advocate to end the death penalty. Bryan Stevenson (attorney and author of Just Mercy) once said: “I don’t think the threshold question of the death penalty is, ‘Do people deserve to die for the crimes they’ve committed?’ I think the threshold question is, ‘Do we deserve to kill?’” Judgement is not ours to give as Christians. Loving our neighbors, includes ALL of our neighbors… even those who may have done horrible things.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

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