The First Station:  Jesus Is Condemned to Death

The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas! … Let [Jesus] be crucified!”

-Matthew 27:21–22

As we imagine this scene, perhaps we see chaos, mayhem, people pushing and pulling, screaming and shouting. There is manipulation and bribery afoot; a good man is about to be killed as a public spectacle, and the laws of the land stand in silence. Perhaps this scene seems far removed-something we may glimpse in the news, something that happens in faraway countries under foreign governments.

Let us call to mind briefly the story of Gertruda Domayo, a woman in Tanzania struggling to put food on her family’s table. We all know what it’s like to want to reach out and help a friend or family member who is suffering. We share this reality with those in our country and around the world.

We are called to live in solidarity as one global family, each of us made in the image and likeness of God. We are responsible for one another, for what happens to our neighbors next door and our neighbors around the world. Do we stand silent in the crowd, or do we shout? And if we shout, what do we say?