553 part v: daily meditations that Judge, who is not appeased with gifts and does not accept excuses, but will openly declare what is just. 9. FRIDAY MORNING On the carrying of the Cross, the crucifixion and death of Christ the Lord. 1. Consider that it is not uncommon to see the secular tribunal condemning innocence and acquitting the crime. The fact that the most innocent Christ was condemned, and the very wicked Barabbas was set free teaches you just this. Since there was the custom of releasing one prisoner on the solemn day of Passover as a favor to the people, they chose and demanded (undoubtedly incited by the chief priests and the Pharisees) that Barabbas be released to them, but that Christ be crucified (cf. Mt 27:15-23). Oh, what an unheard of magnitude of hatred! O crime to be abhorred by every creature! O impiety added to the greatest injustice! So, the bandit [f.181v] apprehended for committing a murder is to be set free? He is set free. And Jesus, delivered to the governor out of envy, is to be condemned? He is condemned. For Pilate, pressed by the council of the Senators, washed his hands and ordered that the verdict of death be proclaimed, approved by the majority of votes.283 Which verdict? “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (Jn 19:19) is to be crucified. But He did no evil? He is to be crucified. But He is the Just, the one flourishing like a palm, the Holy of the Holies? Certainly, He is to be crucified. O my soul, it is you who passed this irrevocable verdict of crucifying the Lord! For it is expedient for one man to die for all people (cf. Jn 18:14): and Christ for you. Ah, at least do not crucify Him again with your sins! 283 There is nothing in the Gospels about this vote made by the council of the Senators, and there is no indication of the source fromwhich this information was taken. Cf. IC crit. ed., p. 422 (footnote 86).
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