THE COWARDLY "PREFECT": PUPPET OR RAG DOLL?
In certain religious traditions, during Holy Week, a rag doll representing Pontius Pilate is consumed by flames. This ritual act serves as a perennial reminder of his cowardice, of how, having the power to save Jesus in that infamous trial, he chose the path of convenience and the preservation of his position as Roman governor. For Pilate, Caesar's favor eclipsed any value that Jesus might represent.
REFLECTIONS
A. Cortés
9/12/20242 min read
Pilate, the cowardly "prefect" of Judea, wielding power akin to a praetor, had full authority to save Jesus. Yet his ambition to remain in his position as procurator of Judea, coupled with fear of the demonic Pharisees, clouded his judgment (Mark 15:15). Thus, Jesus was sent to the Praetorium, a stage for injustice and triple affront:
Official Trial: Jesus, subjected not only to the Sanhedrin, but also to Roman power.
Inevitable Condemnation: In that place, life and death were decided.
Public Humiliation: Before the Roman soldiery, a bloodthirsty crowd, Jesus was exposed to mockery and scorn, they stripped him naked, placed a crown of thorns on his head... a truly macabre scene. Mark describes the number of soldiers: "the whole cohort." This must have been between 400 and 600 soldiers, summoned for a single purpose: to make my Savior suffer.
The devil, through Pilate, gloating, whispered to Jesus: "Look at you, King of the Jews, a powerless King subjugated by Rome. Who holds the true power? I control politics, the army, even religion. Your own people are clamoring for your death. What do you have? Not even a place to lay your head?"
The transfer to the Praetorium marks the beginning of Jesus's ordeal, a torrent of abuse, mockery, and torture before the crucifixion.
The tragic reality of the Passion of Christ lies in the fact that, despite his divinity and power, he submitted to the Divine and earthly will. Pilate, a symbol of earthly authority, becomes a puppet of fear and ambition, allowing Jesus to be handed over to the fiendish mob.
A valuable lesson this passage teaches us is the fragility of human nature and the ease with which we can fall into passivity in the face of injustice. By washing his hands, Pilate absolves himself of responsibility, but his inaction makes him complicit in Jesus's suffering.
This passage invites us to reflect on our own role in the fight against evil. Are we like Pilate, allowing injustice to prevail out of fear or convenience? Or are we willing to face adversity and defend the truth, even when it involves personal sacrifice?
The Passion of Christ, though painful, is also a message of hope. Despite the injustice, Jesus never lost his dignity or his love for humanity. His sacrifice reminds us that even in the darkest moments, the light of faith and hope can prevail.
Friend, sister, the devil knows no compassion. Remember: all this suffering of Christ was endured for you and me. Out of love, "he endured the cross, despising its shame" (Hebrews 12:2). If you're having a bad day, remember that Jesus has already paid for them all. Face your reality with courage. Everything passes.
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