Throughout Lent, I often found myself reflecting on Pontius Pilate. Since childhood, we have learned about his role in Jesus’ crucifixion, and whenever we say the Apostles and Nicene Creeds we are reminded that he was the one who ordered Jesus’ suffering. The Gospels recall that it was the Jewish leaders that wanted Jesus dead. They conceived the plan, formulated the charges, and collected the false witnesses. They craftily manipulated Pilate into fulfilling their brutal plan, so it is interesting that our early Church Fathers did not name them as the architects of Jesus’ death in our creeds. They name Pilate, a Roman authority who did not find Jesus guilty of any crime, especially one that justified death on a cross.
The fact that Pilot found Jesus to be an innocent man, realized he was being manipulated, tried to sway the people to stop the proceedings, and yet still condemned Jesus to death is what has kept me pondering. And recognizing that same behavior in our day and time. A few weeks ago, I travelled to Albany to talk to lawmakers about the proposed Assisted Suicide bill. There are many reasons why that legislation would be bad for the people of our state and many legislators will admit that they have grave concerns, but rather than stand up for what is right and true, they succumb to the pressure of political ambitions. That mindset isn’t limited to politicians. Men, women, and children across all cultures, careers, and religions behave as Pontius Pilate when they sacrifice another person’s wellbeing for their own self-interest.
Pontius Pilate’s political ambitions blinded him to truth and his story is told and retold across millennia revealing him to be a cowardly and spineless leader. Whatever small benefit he may have gained in his lifetime by this one selfish choice has most certainly been far outweighed by shame. As Catholics we need to seek and demand truth from ourselves and others. Twentieth Century Catholic author, Flannery O’Connor wrote, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you odd.” Let us all choose to be odd, knowing that only in truth can we be free – free now and free from the humiliation of selfishness as our own stories are told and retold.
Scripture: Read Luke 23:4. What stands out?
Call to Action: Think hard: when might you have behaved like Pontius Pilate in some way, neglecting the needs of another for your own self-interest?
