Mark 15:1-15

We are presented here in Mark with the power of the mob, the people stirred up by those in positions of power among the Jewish people, the chief priests. And we have Pilate, in a position of judgment over Jesus, speaking to the people, saying “But what crime has he committed?” He sought their permission, unable to act on what he knew was just.

Notwithstanding our acceptance that what happened—Jesus’ death—was essential to giving us a way to live, I can’t help but feel despair over Pilate’s inability to act on his own judgment of Jesus, to act on the courage of his convictions.

Pilate was a leader. He made clear his judgment but did not act on it. The chief priests and people, it seems to me, go down in infamy for the horror of their vile use of power. But Pilate is a special case for us to remember. In a most crucial moment in history, he knew and did not act.

                                                                                          —Norma Killilea

John 3:14-21

Christ Our Light -- Brother Lawrence, Holy Rosary Priory, Bushey, Great Britain

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.

For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.

But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.