
The soldiers ‘beat Jesus over the head with a stick, spat on him, fell on their knees, and bowed down to him. When they had finished mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.’
Mark 15: 19-20 Good News Translation
‘He bears the weight of all our woe, a stumbling figure bowed and scarred I see my Saviour go.’
Words from ‘A purple robe; a crown of thorns’
A traditional Passiontide Hymn
Reflection: Jesus falls for the first time
Jesus, your love for all was inclusive and generous. Yet you became an object of bullying and derision.
Beaten, humiliated, you stumbled and fell.
The crowds watched and did not intervene.
Even today those who are bullied, victims of inhumane behaviour, fall under the weight of suffering.
Lord, we are sorry for the times we have failed to speak
out against bullying, oppression and cruelty.
Through your compassionate love save all who are
brought to their knees by cruel words and actions.
Help them find the courage to be who you have created
them to be, free of the weight of the misdeeds of others.
We adore you O Christ and we bless you
Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world