The Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged

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

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face.
(John 19: 1-3)

Reflection

Throughout our history, we have seen people stand up for social justice. People like Martin Luther King, Jr., Jennifer Lopez, Nelson Mandela, Colin Kaepernick, Lady Gaga, and so many others have taken risks to stand up for what is right when it comes to justice. They often have been criticized for their stance and support, a modern day scourging for caring about equality, justice, and/or racial reconciliation. Colin Kaepernick once said: “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color… if they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”

What can we do as followers of Christ? In the lyrics of their song “I’m Gon’ Stand!!!” Sweet Honey in the Rock tells us “we shall not bow down to racism. We shall not bow down to injustice. We shall not bow down to exploitation. I’m gon’ stand. I just cannot tolerate injustice. No I can’t tolerate no exploitation. I’m gon’ stand.”

We are called to stand (or kneel) to make change in our world today, to boldly witness by loving our neighbors with action. We bravely stand with and for those who experience discrimination, racism, or any other injustice.

Let us pray.

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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