9
THE FIRST STATION
JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
V. We adore you, O Christ and we praise you. R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. In an atmosphere of political and religious intensity, Jesus is condemned by Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judaea. He stands silently, with great composure and resignation, before a mocking crowd. Pilate has given way to pressure, and Our Lord is unjustly condemned to die a shameful and agonising death. Every face and every voice seem to condemn him, representing all humanity captivated by sin. The crowd cries out ‘Crucify him’, and the author of justice, the innocent Lamb of God, is led away as the worst and most despised of criminals. Never has the world seen such a contradiction, and never has a verdict been so unjust. He is already bruised and bloodied, and humiliated with a purple robe and crown of thorns. In this condemnation the judgements of the world are weighed in the balance and found wanting.
