We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Reading
John 19:12-17 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
From thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Cæsar.
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified.
And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
Meditation
Being part of the crowd does not always bring out the best in human beings. Many people try to “stand out from the crowd” in superficial ways – dressing differently, being Bohemian, tattoos, avant garde music choices for example. But even they are pleased, most often to find like-minded individuals with whom they can associate. Facebook and Twitter and other social media platforms have shown us how, too readily birds of a feather flock together, and dissonant voices are quickly dispatched or ‘trolled’ to leave the group think as the status quo. Real crowds can have a dangerous power that is unpredictable, but which can be manipulated by skilled propagandists. Logic and intelligent sense have little to do with it. Most just go with the flow – and some live to regret it whilst others perish.
It takes enormous courage to speak up against group think – to be a prophet, in other words- whether at the office, in the home, or at the pub. To have the courage of one’s convictions and to be prepared to act on them is a hugely daunting vocation – but if we are to be true to ourselves, to our faith, to our Lord there will come a time when we simply must speak up. Or wither and perish inside.
Question
If someone was to listen to me, or observe me, would they know I was a Christian? How can I bravely stand out from the crowd in order to make a difference for those who have no voice, or power to effect change?
Our Father………..Glory be……………Hail Mary………….
Prayer
Jesus, your grace perfects our weak human nature. When we are weak, then we are strong if we let your grace work within us and help us. Amen.
