Pilate took Jesus and had him whipped. The soldiers made a crown out of thorny branches and put it on his head. Then they put a purple robe on him.
When the chief priests and the temple guards saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’
Pilate said: ‘You take him, and crucify him. I find no reason to condemn him.’ Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.
So, they took charge of Jesus and he went out, carrying his cross.
John 19: 1 2, 6, 16 Good News Translation
Reflection: Jesus carried his Cross
Whipped, scourged and beaten, Jesus you still had to find the strength to carry the cross laid upon you.
When we are beaten down by daily grind, the actions of others, illness and despair, where can we find the strength we need to carry on along life’s road?
Do we look to you for help, trusting through faith that you are already helping us to bear our heavy load?
Lord, help us to carry the crosses that weigh us down each and every day. To set our eyes on you, knowing that you are with us to help ease the burdens we bear.
May we ever seek your presence to guide our feet, your loving arms to uphold us and your very self to lead us and let us always see your footprints before us when the road of life is full of difficulties.
We adore you O Christ and we bless you
Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world