V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (You may bow your head or genuflect)
R. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Read and Listen:(Mt 27:11-12, 20-24)

Jesus was arraigned before the procurator, who questioned him: "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus responded, "As you say." Yet when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he had made no reply.Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders convinced the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas and have Jesus put to death. So when the procurator asked them, "Which one do you wish me to release for you?" they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what am I to do with Jesus, the so-called Messiah?" "Crucify him!" they all cried. He said, "Why, what crime has he committed?" But they only shouted the louder, "Crucify him!" Pilate realized that he was making no impression and that a riot was breaking out instead. He called for water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, declaring as he did so, "I am innocent of the blood of this just man. The responsibility is yours."

Reflect

Have you ever been accused in your life? When accused, we become defensive—either by lying because the accusations were true, or by loud protest or violent reaction, if we thought we were victims of a conspiracy or an unjust accusation. Have we ever tried reacting the way Jesus did instead? If we were wrong, could we admit our mistakes and express repentance? If we were not guilty of any accusation against us, would you remain silent then, when after presenting your side, it is not accepted or listened to -- in imitation of Jesus before his accusers? Forgive as the Father has forgiven you, Jesus exhorts us (Mt 6:12, 14). Indeed, in whatever way, it is difficult to be accused. What more, if the accusation would lead to punishment of death? Could we bear our guilt and those of others for our purification and our salvation? What do we do in case we need to accuse others? Are we aware that in doing so, we can put someone to death? He may be alive, but he is already lifeless. One day, to Jesus was brought a woman accused of adultery. They were about to stone him to death, as the law of Moses required. Jesus just kept silent and wrote with his hand on the ground. Then, he said to them, "Let the man among you who has no sin be the first to cast a stone at her" (Jn 8:7). The accusers drifted away one by one, beginning with the elders. This left him alone with the woman. Jesus then said to her, "Woman, where did they all disappear to? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she answered. Jesus said, "Nor do I condemn you. You may go." (Jn 8:11). Try to feel what the woman felt. She knew she was guilty, but Jesus assured her of being freed again. She was spared from more shame and death. Know that there are many others who walk freely around and yet their conscience keeps bothering them. You may be one of them. Come to Jesus and experience the liberating gesture of his forgiving love.

Pray

Dear Jesus, I am sorry that even for my sins, you have been condemned to die. You are innocent, and yet you chose to free me through your death. Help me to live and die for you too. Let me accuse myself first before accusing others. In you, I find my new life. Amen. (You may say the Our Father before you go to the next station.)